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A Hundred Flowers
A powerful new novel about an ordinary family facing extraordinary times at the start of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
China, 1957. Chairman Mao has declared a new openness in society: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” Many intellectuals fear it is only a trick, and Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, has promised not to jeopardize their safety or that of their young son, Tao. But one July morning, just before his sixth birthday, Tao watches helplessly as Sheng is dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp for “reeducation.”
A year later, still missing his father desperately, Tao climbs to the top of the hundred-year-old kapok tree in front of their home, wanting to see the mountain peaks in the distance. But Tao slips and tumbles thirty feet to the courtyard below, badly breaking his leg.
As Kai Ying struggles to hold her small family together in the face of this shattering reminder of her husband’s absence, other members of the household must face their own guilty secrets and strive to find peace in a world where the old sense of order is falling. Once again, Tsukiyama brings us a powerfully moving story of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with grace and courage.
China, 1957. Chairman Mao has declared a new openness in society: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” Many intellectuals fear it is only a trick, and Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, has promised not to jeopardize their safety or that of their young son, Tao. But one July morning, just before his sixth birthday, Tao watches helplessly as Sheng is dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp for “reeducation.”
A year later, still missing his father desperately, Tao climbs to the top of the hundred-year-old kapok tree in front of their home, wanting to see the mountain peaks in the distance. But Tao slips and tumbles thirty feet to the courtyard below, badly breaking his leg.
As Kai Ying struggles to hold her small family together in the face of this shattering reminder of her husband’s absence, other members of the household must face their own guilty secrets and strive to find peace in a world where the old sense of order is falling. Once again, Tsukiyama brings us a powerfully moving story of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with grace and courage.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2012
181 people are currently reading
5200 people want to read
About the author
Gail Tsukiyama
21 books1,448 followersBorn to a Chinese mother and a Japanese father in San Francisco, Gail Tsukiyama now lives in El Cerrito, California. Her novels include Women of the Silk (1991), The Samurai's Garden (1995), Night of Many Dreams (1998), The Language of Threads (1999), Dreaming Water (2002), and The Street of a Thousand Blossoms (2007).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
April 5, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5
I was contemplating whether I should give a 4 or a 5 star so I just settle in the middle. I feel that there should be a closure to Suyin's family so it's not entirely perfect. Like maybe Kai Ying would have told her that they should inform Suyin's mom what her stepfather did. If there at least an ending to the story Wei's guilt, Song's life difficulties, and Kai Ying misery; I think Suyin should deserve justice to what happened to her.
Among the characters on this book, I could relate myself to Wei because he confined himself to the walls of teachings, research and work when he was young; and to the walls of the villa when he retired. His journey to Luoyang taught him that he should explore things outside his confinement. That there's life outside his comfort zone and try to explore things around him. If he didn't make a mistake of sending that letter to the Premier, his son Sheng would never be arrested and be sent to re-educate in Luoyang. But that mistake pushed him to embark on a journey to Luoyang to see his son if he's still alive and it served him several lessons even in his old age.
I could have finished this in just two reading if only I have more free time. But overall, this novel is a page-turner and I could have finished this in just two reading.
I was contemplating whether I should give a 4 or a 5 star so I just settle in the middle. I feel that there should be a closure to Suyin's family so it's not entirely perfect. Like maybe Kai Ying would have told her that they should inform Suyin's mom what her stepfather did. If there at least an ending to the story Wei's guilt, Song's life difficulties, and Kai Ying misery; I think Suyin should deserve justice to what happened to her.
Among the characters on this book, I could relate myself to Wei because he confined himself to the walls of teachings, research and work when he was young; and to the walls of the villa when he retired. His journey to Luoyang taught him that he should explore things outside his confinement. That there's life outside his comfort zone and try to explore things around him. If he didn't make a mistake of sending that letter to the Premier, his son Sheng would never be arrested and be sent to re-educate in Luoyang. But that mistake pushed him to embark on a journey to Luoyang to see his son if he's still alive and it served him several lessons even in his old age.
I could have finished this in just two reading if only I have more free time. But overall, this novel is a page-turner and I could have finished this in just two reading.
September 18, 2025
I must somehow finish this entire novel in one night to teach a literature class tomorrow... wish me luck
February 4, 2024
Gail Tsukiyama, whose heritage is a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, has penned many novels capturing these cultures. Rather than give a complete description of this book, I will attempt to further discuss some salient points.
This tale is set in 1955, during the Chinese "Cultural Revolution". I have purposely added quotation marks here to stress the farcical/traumatic nature of this period. It is illustrated well when Wei, the elderly grandfather of the family highlighted in this story, seriously ponders how they are now experiencing life.
"When Wei was a boy, it was a different world, one that was now condemned by Mao and the Party as extravagant and wasteful. But he also remembered the beauty and intellectual curiosity of a country that could have easily caught up with the rest of the world, if she weren't always being dragged backward. ...In the China his grandson was growing up in, just surviving each day left very little time for much else." (p. 139)
Tsukiyama, as she so capably does, has drawn a vivid picture of the family and those involved with its members. It is evident that the climate in China has influenced not only society at large, but individual lives. The process of struggling to maintain a sustaining diet, as well as safe, protective living quarters is vividly portrayed. For individuals, the art of masking one's thoughts and actions is a source of constant turmoil. While showing a clear picture of these factors, Tsukiyama delved into the inner nature of the main characters with sensitivity and clarity.
One particular feature of this story that I appreciated was that of herbal medicine. While many may question the value of this practice and certainly there are some ingredients of questionable results,much of this centuries-old field of endeavor has evolved to a viable source of treatment in modern Western medicine. The sources and preparation of many of these products are highlighted throughout the narrative.
I continue to appreciate Tsukiyama's fluid prose, her sensitive rendering of a struggling Chinese populace and her delicate simplicity of detail.
This tale is set in 1955, during the Chinese "Cultural Revolution". I have purposely added quotation marks here to stress the farcical/traumatic nature of this period. It is illustrated well when Wei, the elderly grandfather of the family highlighted in this story, seriously ponders how they are now experiencing life.
"When Wei was a boy, it was a different world, one that was now condemned by Mao and the Party as extravagant and wasteful. But he also remembered the beauty and intellectual curiosity of a country that could have easily caught up with the rest of the world, if she weren't always being dragged backward. ...In the China his grandson was growing up in, just surviving each day left very little time for much else." (p. 139)
Tsukiyama, as she so capably does, has drawn a vivid picture of the family and those involved with its members. It is evident that the climate in China has influenced not only society at large, but individual lives. The process of struggling to maintain a sustaining diet, as well as safe, protective living quarters is vividly portrayed. For individuals, the art of masking one's thoughts and actions is a source of constant turmoil. While showing a clear picture of these factors, Tsukiyama delved into the inner nature of the main characters with sensitivity and clarity.
One particular feature of this story that I appreciated was that of herbal medicine. While many may question the value of this practice and certainly there are some ingredients of questionable results,much of this centuries-old field of endeavor has evolved to a viable source of treatment in modern Western medicine. The sources and preparation of many of these products are highlighted throughout the narrative.
I continue to appreciate Tsukiyama's fluid prose, her sensitive rendering of a struggling Chinese populace and her delicate simplicity of detail.
April 22, 2019
The Hundred Flowers Campaign, also termed the Hundred Flowers Movement, a period which begun in May 1956 in the People’s Republic of China during which the Communist Party of China encouraged its citizens to express openly their opinions of the communist regime. It was to lift the restrictions imposed upon Chinese intellectuals and thus grant greater freedom of thought of speech.
This story begins in 1957 with Sheng’s family. Sheng, a headstrong teacher, is suspicious of such campaign as many other intellectuals fearing that it is a trap. He makes a promise to his family to keep his opinions to himself, thus keeping his family safe. But with his strong character, he does write a letter criticizing the Communist Party and as a result he is sent to a labor camp to be ‘reeducated.’
His wife, Kai Ying, returns full-time to her work as an herbalist to support the family.
His seven-year old son, Tao, everyday awaits a return of his father. One day, he climbs a tree in hope of spotting his father, arriving back home, instead he falls down and injures his leg. Back home from hospital, he recuperates with a big cast twice the size of his leg. He needs to stay as immobile as possible. Thus his grandpa, Wei, a retired scholar, entertains him with stories about China’s art and history. He has hidden some of his books filled with different ideas and truths, which the Party disapproves. He promises to pass those books to his grandson when he’s older.
One day, a fifteen-year old girl knocks on Kai Ying’s door. Suyin is pregnant. Kai Ying delivers the baby and lets the girl and the baby stay at their house.
Wei is having a hard time adjusting to the strangers. “She had simply wandered in off the street and into their lives.”
It takes Tao some time to warm up to a new person in the house as well. But later he appreciates her keeping things simple and to the point. He doesn’t like people making a fuss.
While Kai Ying teaches Suyin the use of plants intended for medicinal purposes, there is some food disappearing.
This author has a talent for creating short, simple novels yet very profound; giving a reader enough background to understand the history, but not much to overwhelm the story. Through characters, who as humans make mistakes, the moral of the story comes out clearly and deeply touching.
Also by this author, highly recommend The Samurai’s Garden.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
This story begins in 1957 with Sheng’s family. Sheng, a headstrong teacher, is suspicious of such campaign as many other intellectuals fearing that it is a trap. He makes a promise to his family to keep his opinions to himself, thus keeping his family safe. But with his strong character, he does write a letter criticizing the Communist Party and as a result he is sent to a labor camp to be ‘reeducated.’
His wife, Kai Ying, returns full-time to her work as an herbalist to support the family.
His seven-year old son, Tao, everyday awaits a return of his father. One day, he climbs a tree in hope of spotting his father, arriving back home, instead he falls down and injures his leg. Back home from hospital, he recuperates with a big cast twice the size of his leg. He needs to stay as immobile as possible. Thus his grandpa, Wei, a retired scholar, entertains him with stories about China’s art and history. He has hidden some of his books filled with different ideas and truths, which the Party disapproves. He promises to pass those books to his grandson when he’s older.
One day, a fifteen-year old girl knocks on Kai Ying’s door. Suyin is pregnant. Kai Ying delivers the baby and lets the girl and the baby stay at their house.
Wei is having a hard time adjusting to the strangers. “She had simply wandered in off the street and into their lives.”
It takes Tao some time to warm up to a new person in the house as well. But later he appreciates her keeping things simple and to the point. He doesn’t like people making a fuss.
While Kai Ying teaches Suyin the use of plants intended for medicinal purposes, there is some food disappearing.
This author has a talent for creating short, simple novels yet very profound; giving a reader enough background to understand the history, but not much to overwhelm the story. Through characters, who as humans make mistakes, the moral of the story comes out clearly and deeply touching.
Also by this author, highly recommend The Samurai’s Garden.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
February 23, 2024
Book on CD read by Simon Vance
In this novel, Tsukiyama turns her attention to the mid-to-late 1950s and Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China. The title refers to 1957, when Chairman Mao declared “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend,” and encouraged China’s intellectuals, teachers, and scholars to voice their opinions openly. Of course, this was a trap.
The story focuses on the Lee family. Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, promised not to jeopardize his family’s safety, but he was still dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp to be “reeducated.” A year later their son, Tao, has an accident and breaks his leg. Kai Ying may be an herbalist who is sought out by neighbors for her many remedies, but no tea or poultice will fix this injury. Sheng’s father, Wei, who also lives with them, was once a renowned university professor, and he is obviously distraught by what has happened to his son and the family.
The family members do their best in difficult times to move forward, working, studying, helping friends and neighbors. They share what they can, but they cannot help but worry. The uncertainty is palpable. Yet, they face their circumstances with grace, dignity and courage.
Simon Vance voices the audiobook. He’s a talented narrator and I’ve enjoyed many of the audiobooks I’ve listened to him perform. But for this work, I could not help but hear his British voice and think “that’s not right.”
In this novel, Tsukiyama turns her attention to the mid-to-late 1950s and Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China. The title refers to 1957, when Chairman Mao declared “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend,” and encouraged China’s intellectuals, teachers, and scholars to voice their opinions openly. Of course, this was a trap.
The story focuses on the Lee family. Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a teacher, promised not to jeopardize his family’s safety, but he was still dragged away for writing a letter criticizing the Communist Party and sent to a labor camp to be “reeducated.” A year later their son, Tao, has an accident and breaks his leg. Kai Ying may be an herbalist who is sought out by neighbors for her many remedies, but no tea or poultice will fix this injury. Sheng’s father, Wei, who also lives with them, was once a renowned university professor, and he is obviously distraught by what has happened to his son and the family.
The family members do their best in difficult times to move forward, working, studying, helping friends and neighbors. They share what they can, but they cannot help but worry. The uncertainty is palpable. Yet, they face their circumstances with grace, dignity and courage.
Simon Vance voices the audiobook. He’s a talented narrator and I’ve enjoyed many of the audiobooks I’ve listened to him perform. But for this work, I could not help but hear his British voice and think “that’s not right.”
October 15, 2012
This is such a quiet, subtle book that I don't quite know what to say about it. I think Kai Ying is the character I felt I knew the best. Though Tao and Wei tell their stories too, I felt like Tao's revolved around his injury, Wei's revolved around his journey and guilt, but Kai Ying's revolved around her lost husband, her herbal healing, and her relationships with every other character. But maybe I just identified with the female character more. I wish we learned more about Suyin, her family, her future, and her baby. The only real action in the book is Tao's initial injury, Suyin arriving at the home, and Wei traveling to find his son. But they all happen at a fairly slow pace, nothing is too surprising, and in the end of the book there was no real closure, just life continuing with perhaps a bit more hope for each character than they had in the beginning. I liked the book well enough, but nothing really jumped out at me to invoke a strong emotion or make it memorable to me.
February 6, 2013
I have been a fan of Gail Tsukiyama's for many years, so when I saw this book at the library, I was eager to read it. I appreciate her simple yet beautifully descriptive writing style, and I usually enjoy the slower pace that is common in her books. This book, however, fell a little short.
This story, of a family living in China in the 1950s under the rule of Chairman Mao, helped me understand the difficulties that ordinary people faced at that time with food, shelter and health. But I found the character development lacking, perhaps because the book was written from the perspectives of the five main characters, sometimes with only a few paragraphs devoted to one character before moving on to the next. The story did not flow as smoothly as I had expected from a Tsukiyama book. The end was also unsatisfying, leaving the characters in the middle of their lives with no real resolution of any issues. I wanted to know what happened - particularly to Suyin, the teenage mother.
I would recommend "Women of the Silk" or "The Samurai's Garden" before this book.
This story, of a family living in China in the 1950s under the rule of Chairman Mao, helped me understand the difficulties that ordinary people faced at that time with food, shelter and health. But I found the character development lacking, perhaps because the book was written from the perspectives of the five main characters, sometimes with only a few paragraphs devoted to one character before moving on to the next. The story did not flow as smoothly as I had expected from a Tsukiyama book. The end was also unsatisfying, leaving the characters in the middle of their lives with no real resolution of any issues. I wanted to know what happened - particularly to Suyin, the teenage mother.
I would recommend "Women of the Silk" or "The Samurai's Garden" before this book.
June 9, 2016
Maybe only 3.5, but the writing is just so lovely that I can't help but round up. Coming of age in the difficult times of 1958 China. The alternating narrators start well, adding a good pace to the story, but ultimately, the quick chapters and shifting perspectives prevented me from fully engaging. A pleasant way to spend a couple days, but I suspect this story won't stick with me.
September 3, 2012
I won this novel from a Goodreads giveaway and am so happy that I did.
What a beautiful, moving story that flowed and ebbed at the perfect times.
In Communist China, we read about a family who is suffering from losing the husband of the home to a "reeducation" camp. They say he wrote a letter during the Hundred Letters campaign that condemed Mao and the Communist Party. However, Kai Ying, his wife, cannot imagine why her husband would ever write such a letter or put his family is jeopardy. Who wrote the letter, what does it say, and does it even exist?
Tsukiyama paints a beautiful picture full of deep thought and description. Dialogue is simple and sprinkled throughout the novel. Most of it is beautiful detail about a world I knew little about. I love the lacking dialogue - how a character only speaks when they absolutely must. Tao, the son, will tug at your heartstrings during his passages, a true coming-of-age story.
But, don't think it is a slow-paced tale. Much happens in the lives of this family, including a young girl giving birth in their living room.
I would definitely recommend reading this novel!
What a beautiful, moving story that flowed and ebbed at the perfect times.
In Communist China, we read about a family who is suffering from losing the husband of the home to a "reeducation" camp. They say he wrote a letter during the Hundred Letters campaign that condemed Mao and the Communist Party. However, Kai Ying, his wife, cannot imagine why her husband would ever write such a letter or put his family is jeopardy. Who wrote the letter, what does it say, and does it even exist?
Tsukiyama paints a beautiful picture full of deep thought and description. Dialogue is simple and sprinkled throughout the novel. Most of it is beautiful detail about a world I knew little about. I love the lacking dialogue - how a character only speaks when they absolutely must. Tao, the son, will tug at your heartstrings during his passages, a true coming-of-age story.
But, don't think it is a slow-paced tale. Much happens in the lives of this family, including a young girl giving birth in their living room.
I would definitely recommend reading this novel!
February 7, 2017
3.8/5 stars for A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama
A Hundred Flowers tell a story of a family living in China during the reign of Mao Zedong. During his reign, he introduced The Hundred Flowers Campaign where all intellectuals & artists were encouraged to freely express their opinions about the Communist party. Gradually, many intellectuals, students and artists grew bolder in raising their voices and once the criticism turned directly towards the Party members and Mao himself, the Campaign was abruptly halted and all the counter-revolutionaries arrested and were sent to prisons to be ‘reeducated’ – where Sheng was one of them.
Nothing much happened in the story, really. It is a very simple story of the everyday lives of Sheng’s family members which is told from multiple POVs which brings each character into sharp focus. The alternating narrators started great, but gradually it shifted too quickly, thus it felt less engaging.There are a few dramatic moments but overall the story revolves around the thoughts and hopes of the characters.I liked it, but that’s as far as it goes. Despite the plain storyline, I appreciate her simple yet gracefully descriptive writing style. I love Tsukiyama’s serene and peaceful tone. It was moderately slow, just how I like it. Slow but sweet.
Even though there just wasn’t enough character development, Gail Tsukiyama has a way of creating characters that are inherently flawed yet lovable. One particular character of this story that I loved is Sheng’s father, Grandpa Wei. In the book, he was portrayed as a reserved and a quite man, which is completely different from his captured son, who was an outspoken and impatiently brusque. But throughout the story, readers may notice that Wei gradually has became more remarkably fragile and weary, which – until a secret was revealed – which made my heart ached. I also loved the part where Grandpa Wei went on the train trip to meet Sheng and met Tian.
Now, the encounter between Grandpa Wei and Tian sparked a question to my mind – Between national struggle and the love of your life, which one prevails? Imagine a situation where you are fighting for a cause, but your partner despise it because both of you simply do not share a similar political belief and struggle, would you leave her/him? This situation reminds me of Nelson Mandela where his first two marriages collapsed under the strain of politics. It was alleged that the separation was mainly because Mandela has always prioritized his citizens’ lives and struggle more than his wives. This situation can also be related with one of the Islamic legal maxims – A private injury may be tolerated in order to ward off the public injury. What do you guys think of this?
Alright, coming back to the review. A Hundred Flowers is a tale well told, definitely won’t be my last from Gail Tsukiyama. I strongly recommend this book to those who love a ‘quiet’ read, without the noise of the current world.
A Hundred Flowers tell a story of a family living in China during the reign of Mao Zedong. During his reign, he introduced The Hundred Flowers Campaign where all intellectuals & artists were encouraged to freely express their opinions about the Communist party. Gradually, many intellectuals, students and artists grew bolder in raising their voices and once the criticism turned directly towards the Party members and Mao himself, the Campaign was abruptly halted and all the counter-revolutionaries arrested and were sent to prisons to be ‘reeducated’ – where Sheng was one of them.
Nothing much happened in the story, really. It is a very simple story of the everyday lives of Sheng’s family members which is told from multiple POVs which brings each character into sharp focus. The alternating narrators started great, but gradually it shifted too quickly, thus it felt less engaging.There are a few dramatic moments but overall the story revolves around the thoughts and hopes of the characters.I liked it, but that’s as far as it goes. Despite the plain storyline, I appreciate her simple yet gracefully descriptive writing style. I love Tsukiyama’s serene and peaceful tone. It was moderately slow, just how I like it. Slow but sweet.
Even though there just wasn’t enough character development, Gail Tsukiyama has a way of creating characters that are inherently flawed yet lovable. One particular character of this story that I loved is Sheng’s father, Grandpa Wei. In the book, he was portrayed as a reserved and a quite man, which is completely different from his captured son, who was an outspoken and impatiently brusque. But throughout the story, readers may notice that Wei gradually has became more remarkably fragile and weary, which – until a secret was revealed – which made my heart ached. I also loved the part where Grandpa Wei went on the train trip to meet Sheng and met Tian.
Now, the encounter between Grandpa Wei and Tian sparked a question to my mind – Between national struggle and the love of your life, which one prevails? Imagine a situation where you are fighting for a cause, but your partner despise it because both of you simply do not share a similar political belief and struggle, would you leave her/him? This situation reminds me of Nelson Mandela where his first two marriages collapsed under the strain of politics. It was alleged that the separation was mainly because Mandela has always prioritized his citizens’ lives and struggle more than his wives. This situation can also be related with one of the Islamic legal maxims – A private injury may be tolerated in order to ward off the public injury. What do you guys think of this?
Alright, coming back to the review. A Hundred Flowers is a tale well told, definitely won’t be my last from Gail Tsukiyama. I strongly recommend this book to those who love a ‘quiet’ read, without the noise of the current world.
April 18, 2012
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
In 1957 Chairman Mao issued an order for all the intellectuals and artists in the community to come forward so that China could become a stronger country. "Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend." While this was seen as cautious good news, Sheng was arrested for sending a letter speaking out against the Communist Party and was sent to a reeducation facility. He leaves behind his professor father, Wei, his herb healer wife, Kai Ying, and his young son, Tao. On top of the tragedy of losing Sheng, and not knowing if he lives or dies, Tao climbs a tree one morning and falls, breaking his leg. A historical fiction novel that takes place in China in 1958, A Hundred Flowers, by Gail Tsukiyama, is really just about an average family over the course of five months. Yes, shit happens, and it sucks, but it is a very average sort of family.
My biggest problem with this novel is that even though each chapter is told about a different family member, the voice stays the same. I think this would have been better served if each chapter were told in that family member's voice, rather than in the narrator's voice. It made the story very monotone.
The most interesting character was the 15 year old, homeless, pregnant girl. It isn't that her character was more compelling than the family, it was simply because she had the most unique story of all of the characters, because she wasn't a part of the family. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been told from her perspective, first and foremost and the rest of the family's secondarily, rather than vice versa.
All that being said, once the story picked up, it flew. It was easy to read because the words flowed together nicely. I was able to read the second half of this book in one sitting, once I knew and began to care about the characters. I wanted to see Tao walk without a limp and I wanted Kai Ying to find an apprentice and a daughter in the young pregnant girl. Somehow, Tsukiyama managed to make a horribly depressing and difficult time for a family hopeful.
That's what I took away from this book that I liked. hope. For all the time that the characters spent contemplating on the lack of hope for their family, for China, for the baby, for the pregnant girl, by the end of the book the theme had turned to hope. Who doesn't need a little hope in their lives?
In 1957 Chairman Mao issued an order for all the intellectuals and artists in the community to come forward so that China could become a stronger country. "Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend." While this was seen as cautious good news, Sheng was arrested for sending a letter speaking out against the Communist Party and was sent to a reeducation facility. He leaves behind his professor father, Wei, his herb healer wife, Kai Ying, and his young son, Tao. On top of the tragedy of losing Sheng, and not knowing if he lives or dies, Tao climbs a tree one morning and falls, breaking his leg. A historical fiction novel that takes place in China in 1958, A Hundred Flowers, by Gail Tsukiyama, is really just about an average family over the course of five months. Yes, shit happens, and it sucks, but it is a very average sort of family.
My biggest problem with this novel is that even though each chapter is told about a different family member, the voice stays the same. I think this would have been better served if each chapter were told in that family member's voice, rather than in the narrator's voice. It made the story very monotone.
The most interesting character was the 15 year old, homeless, pregnant girl. It isn't that her character was more compelling than the family, it was simply because she had the most unique story of all of the characters, because she wasn't a part of the family. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been told from her perspective, first and foremost and the rest of the family's secondarily, rather than vice versa.
All that being said, once the story picked up, it flew. It was easy to read because the words flowed together nicely. I was able to read the second half of this book in one sitting, once I knew and began to care about the characters. I wanted to see Tao walk without a limp and I wanted Kai Ying to find an apprentice and a daughter in the young pregnant girl. Somehow, Tsukiyama managed to make a horribly depressing and difficult time for a family hopeful.
That's what I took away from this book that I liked. hope. For all the time that the characters spent contemplating on the lack of hope for their family, for China, for the baby, for the pregnant girl, by the end of the book the theme had turned to hope. Who doesn't need a little hope in their lives?
August 9, 2014
In 1953 Chairman Mao Zedong launched a five year plan in China to collectivize agriculture and nationalize industry in hopes of raising revenues to finance industry and repay debts for Russian aid. There was a lot of dissent among the people because of shortages of food and goods, yet very little open discussion among the people. Knowing that the plan was not working, and to gain the support of the educated classes, Mao launched what was known as Hundred Flowers campaign in 1957. In his address to the people, he encouraged open commentary and debate about the government. He used a traditional Chinese poem to encourage constructive criticism: "Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend." At first few people responded to his request, but eventually, with government encouragement, thousands sent their criticisms and instead of accepting them, Mao discredited them all, and punished those who responded. Some lost their jobs and others were sent to prisons to be “reeducated.”
“A Hundred Flowers,” takes place in 1958, and is the story of a young boy and his family in Guangzhou province. Tao is the seven year old whose father Sheng has been sent to a labor camp a thousand miles away for speaking out against the government by writing a letter of criticism. His wife, Kai Ying, a herbalist and healer is left to support the family. She lives with her father-in-law Wei, a retired professor who is a widower, and nearby in another part of the once large house, now divided into apartments, Auntie Song, who keeps a vegetable garden, and though not related by blood, a close member of the family.
The novel is a very simple story of the everyday lives of the different family members who divulge parts of their histories in little snippets. Each chapter is narrated by a different character, and as one moves from one chapter to another, the family’s history is revealed. Contrary to many novels set in China during this time, this is not a political work, but rather an emotional one, one that lets us into the inner workings of all the characters. The appearance of pregnant 15-year old Suiyin, who delivers her baby in the family’s courtyard, adds to the energy of the plot. So does the appearance of the stranger Tian who helps Wei navigate his two-day train ride to find his son. At first I judged the novel to be too simplistic, but as the author gradually revealed the inner workings of each of the characters, I was drawn into their story because of her beautiful descriptions and graceful language.
“A Hundred Flowers,” takes place in 1958, and is the story of a young boy and his family in Guangzhou province. Tao is the seven year old whose father Sheng has been sent to a labor camp a thousand miles away for speaking out against the government by writing a letter of criticism. His wife, Kai Ying, a herbalist and healer is left to support the family. She lives with her father-in-law Wei, a retired professor who is a widower, and nearby in another part of the once large house, now divided into apartments, Auntie Song, who keeps a vegetable garden, and though not related by blood, a close member of the family.
The novel is a very simple story of the everyday lives of the different family members who divulge parts of their histories in little snippets. Each chapter is narrated by a different character, and as one moves from one chapter to another, the family’s history is revealed. Contrary to many novels set in China during this time, this is not a political work, but rather an emotional one, one that lets us into the inner workings of all the characters. The appearance of pregnant 15-year old Suiyin, who delivers her baby in the family’s courtyard, adds to the energy of the plot. So does the appearance of the stranger Tian who helps Wei navigate his two-day train ride to find his son. At first I judged the novel to be too simplistic, but as the author gradually revealed the inner workings of each of the characters, I was drawn into their story because of her beautiful descriptions and graceful language.
June 15, 2022
okay this book is for my literature elective but i seriously doubted that i would even like it but omg was i so wrong. the ending crushed me.
the book is about communist china, the hundred flowers campaign, and a man who got taken away from his family because he wrote a letter insulting the government.
some part of me feels like i enjoyed this book because it reminds me of my teacher mdm nathan, especially since she’s no longer teaching us. she was my keating, she never failed to make a lesson fun and interactive, even when i was away from my friends there wasn’t a moment i wasnt so enthralled by her.
the book was heart wrenching, everyone’s story was sad and i’m so grateful that i’ll be tested on this book because i feel so strongly for all of them.
“i let so many years slip by,” - this moment was so beautiful to me, he had spent his life existing and just getting through the day when he should’ve stopped and appreciate the moment, he should’ve told his wife he loved her and spent more time with his son. because overnight, the very few people who gave him comfort was taken away from him
“until then, im here. im here” - he wants his wife to know he’ll get out and everyday the thought of her and his son is the only reason he’s pushing through. he has stated a few times he didn’t want to turn into a shadow that she forgets because he loves her an unconditional amount.
this book is also every character’s point of view so if u enjoy that then you should totally read this!
tw: mentions of SA for the character suyin
the book is about communist china, the hundred flowers campaign, and a man who got taken away from his family because he wrote a letter insulting the government.
some part of me feels like i enjoyed this book because it reminds me of my teacher mdm nathan, especially since she’s no longer teaching us. she was my keating, she never failed to make a lesson fun and interactive, even when i was away from my friends there wasn’t a moment i wasnt so enthralled by her.
the book was heart wrenching, everyone’s story was sad and i’m so grateful that i’ll be tested on this book because i feel so strongly for all of them.
“i let so many years slip by,” - this moment was so beautiful to me, he had spent his life existing and just getting through the day when he should’ve stopped and appreciate the moment, he should’ve told his wife he loved her and spent more time with his son. because overnight, the very few people who gave him comfort was taken away from him
“until then, im here. im here” - he wants his wife to know he’ll get out and everyday the thought of her and his son is the only reason he’s pushing through. he has stated a few times he didn’t want to turn into a shadow that she forgets because he loves her an unconditional amount.
this book is also every character’s point of view so if u enjoy that then you should totally read this!
tw: mentions of SA for the character suyin
August 19, 2018
" Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend"
Chairman Mao
An interesting and slightly odd book about a family dealing with the imprisonment of the father during the cultural revolution of Mao. There was a Hundred Flowers campaign where Mao encouraged people to write to him and tell him what they wanted to change about China and when the people finally felt safe enough to do so and started writing letters, Mao found out he didn't really want to hear what they all had to say and the imprisonments started happening out of nowhere. People were sent to "reeducation camps" [heavy labor camps] and some were never heard from again.
Told from the perspectives of the son [Tao], the wife [of Sheng, the man who is imprisoned] [Kai Ying - who is left to pick up all the pieces and also care for her family], Sheng's father [Wei - who was a teacher and is now retired], Auntie Song [who is a neighbor and helps them eat with her garden that she grows] and a homeless pregnant girl who arrives just in time to deliver both her baby AND hope back into the family [Suyin], this story is rich in history and traditions and the love of family and what happens when one disappears and you have to continue on with life.
A beautiful, lush story that just sucks you in and doesn't let you go until the end.
Chairman Mao
An interesting and slightly odd book about a family dealing with the imprisonment of the father during the cultural revolution of Mao. There was a Hundred Flowers campaign where Mao encouraged people to write to him and tell him what they wanted to change about China and when the people finally felt safe enough to do so and started writing letters, Mao found out he didn't really want to hear what they all had to say and the imprisonments started happening out of nowhere. People were sent to "reeducation camps" [heavy labor camps] and some were never heard from again.
Told from the perspectives of the son [Tao], the wife [of Sheng, the man who is imprisoned] [Kai Ying - who is left to pick up all the pieces and also care for her family], Sheng's father [Wei - who was a teacher and is now retired], Auntie Song [who is a neighbor and helps them eat with her garden that she grows] and a homeless pregnant girl who arrives just in time to deliver both her baby AND hope back into the family [Suyin], this story is rich in history and traditions and the love of family and what happens when one disappears and you have to continue on with life.
A beautiful, lush story that just sucks you in and doesn't let you go until the end.
September 11, 2020
This story seemed familiar when I started reading. As I got further into the book, I realized that I had read it before. It had not made a great impression on me that it took me 1/3 of the way in to figure this out. So I did a quick read through the rest of the book to refresh my memory.
This was an okay read. I learned some things about life in China in the late 1950's. And I did not connect emotionally with any of the characters. Nothing kept me thinking about this book after my read.
This was an okay read. I learned some things about life in China in the late 1950's. And I did not connect emotionally with any of the characters. Nothing kept me thinking about this book after my read.
August 24, 2016
A beautifully written book about a family trying to survive after the father is sent to a "re-education" labor camp in Maoist China. It is told from multiple POVs which brings each character into sharp focus. Gail Tsukiyama does an exquisite job of telling this tale with heartfelt insight and grace.
August 11, 2014
Really enjoyed discovering this new author. I usually like books set in China and this is a good one.
March 23, 2023
Another great book by Gail Tsukiyama- slow and steady and quiet, beautifully written.
September 25, 2020
I read this one while a waited for another Tsukiyama title to come in for me at the library. I liked it. I t seemed like there was more thought and introspection than action and dialogue, but in this book it worked. It's a nice story about a family holding on to hope and each other through a very difficult time.
September 3, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway contest which did not influence my review.
This book had a great premise and all the elements necessary for a good story including unique characters and an interesting time period, but it missed the mark with me. If only the book had been executed differently, I would have enjoyed it as I had the two other books I have read by this author.
The story takes place in China, 1957--1958, during the time Chairman Mao ruled the Communist Party. He has declared a new openness, encouraging citizens to speak their mind and share their thoughts on what is needed for a better society. Unfortunately, those brave enough--or foolish enough in some people's opinion--to speak out are punished, sent to work camps for 're-education.' One such person is Sheng who wrote a letter of protest and was sent away from his family.
The book is told through many different viewpoints, detailing the effects Sheng's absence has had on the people who love him--his father Wei, his wife Kai Ying, his son Tao, his neighbor and good friend Song, as well as Suyin, a pregnant and homeless teenager who has found her way into his family's home.
The problem I had with this book is that it spent too much time inside these characters' heads instead of letting them interact with one another. The best scenes are when they actually talk to one another instead of merely thinking their individual thoughts. But such scenes are few and far between. It made for a very slow moving book with very little happening besides minor changes in the weather and the characters' routines and very little talk of the political climate. The characters may be living together, but they live separately. They are caught in limbo, but unfortunately, so is the reader.
Time and again, the reader is privy to Wei's thoughts, his guilt over a secret that is revealed much too early in the book when it could have provided some much needed suspense. And Suyin's secret is also known to the reader right away. The only thing that kept me reading was waiting to hear what had happened to Sheng, as his family had not heard from him in months.
I also found myself waiting for the book to end so I could read something else. But I am glad that I finished it because there are some moving scenes toward the end concerning Wei and a stranger he meets on a train and a letter that Sheng wrote. I would recommend patience while reading this book. It is difficult to appreciate it otherwise. If you have never read anything by this author before, start with The Samurai's Garden instead of this book.
This book had a great premise and all the elements necessary for a good story including unique characters and an interesting time period, but it missed the mark with me. If only the book had been executed differently, I would have enjoyed it as I had the two other books I have read by this author.
The story takes place in China, 1957--1958, during the time Chairman Mao ruled the Communist Party. He has declared a new openness, encouraging citizens to speak their mind and share their thoughts on what is needed for a better society. Unfortunately, those brave enough--or foolish enough in some people's opinion--to speak out are punished, sent to work camps for 're-education.' One such person is Sheng who wrote a letter of protest and was sent away from his family.
The book is told through many different viewpoints, detailing the effects Sheng's absence has had on the people who love him--his father Wei, his wife Kai Ying, his son Tao, his neighbor and good friend Song, as well as Suyin, a pregnant and homeless teenager who has found her way into his family's home.
The problem I had with this book is that it spent too much time inside these characters' heads instead of letting them interact with one another. The best scenes are when they actually talk to one another instead of merely thinking their individual thoughts. But such scenes are few and far between. It made for a very slow moving book with very little happening besides minor changes in the weather and the characters' routines and very little talk of the political climate. The characters may be living together, but they live separately. They are caught in limbo, but unfortunately, so is the reader.
Time and again, the reader is privy to Wei's thoughts, his guilt over a secret that is revealed much too early in the book when it could have provided some much needed suspense. And Suyin's secret is also known to the reader right away. The only thing that kept me reading was waiting to hear what had happened to Sheng, as his family had not heard from him in months.
I also found myself waiting for the book to end so I could read something else. But I am glad that I finished it because there are some moving scenes toward the end concerning Wei and a stranger he meets on a train and a letter that Sheng wrote. I would recommend patience while reading this book. It is difficult to appreciate it otherwise. If you have never read anything by this author before, start with The Samurai's Garden instead of this book.
December 14, 2013
I liked it, but that's as far as it goes.
It didn't truly evoke a very powerful emotion from me, though I did enjoy reading it and I emphathised with some of the characters, especially Wei - he was one of the most real and raw characters in the book. The themes of loss, regret, grief and heartbreak conflated nicely and were very prominent throughout his story and his metaphors.
Gail Tsukiyama wrote in pretty simple English, but the style of her writing was indeed graceful and lissome, as if they were gliding through the beautiful descriptions and actions. The best part is that she didn't need to use an exorbitant amount of Cyclopean words to convey herself. (Not that it's a bad thing, just something I noticed.) It's her deft and dexterity in manipulating the language that shines through, not big words. What I liked about this novel was how simple it was. The language, the storyline - there was no breakthrough action or a lot of unexpected happenings, but it moved along very calmly and very smoothly without the action-packed storylines of most books these days - this book mostly consisted of stories from the characters' haunted pasts, and that was what made it interesting. Like water smoothly gliding along a river. Along the inevitable. (A literary device, I hope.)
Also.. I liked the switch between perspectives within the same household. It puts it in
3 stars because it didn't truly move me.
It didn't truly evoke a very powerful emotion from me, though I did enjoy reading it and I emphathised with some of the characters, especially Wei - he was one of the most real and raw characters in the book. The themes of loss, regret, grief and heartbreak conflated nicely and were very prominent throughout his story and his metaphors.
Gail Tsukiyama wrote in pretty simple English, but the style of her writing was indeed graceful and lissome, as if they were gliding through the beautiful descriptions and actions. The best part is that she didn't need to use an exorbitant amount of Cyclopean words to convey herself. (Not that it's a bad thing, just something I noticed.) It's her deft and dexterity in manipulating the language that shines through, not big words. What I liked about this novel was how simple it was. The language, the storyline - there was no breakthrough action or a lot of unexpected happenings, but it moved along very calmly and very smoothly without the action-packed storylines of most books these days - this book mostly consisted of stories from the characters' haunted pasts, and that was what made it interesting. Like water smoothly gliding along a river. Along the inevitable. (A literary device, I hope.)
Also.. I liked the switch between perspectives within the same household. It puts it in
3 stars because it didn't truly move me.
October 2, 2018
A Hundred Flowers takes place during one of my favorite (intellectually!) periods in history, Maoist China. The title refers to the "Hundred Flowers Campaign," which failed miserably. The campaign was launched as an invitation for the Chinese to voice their opinions about the new Communist regime, but those who wrote letters or spoke out in public forums were later arrested and sentenced to hard labor in the countryside.
The book follows the Lee family from July to November 1958. In the first chapter, seven-year-old Tao climbs a tree to better see the mountains his father, Sheng, promised to take him to visit. A year earlier, Sheng was arrested for writing a letter criticizing the new Communist government, and was sentenced to hard labor in a faraway rural community. The adults, Tao's mother and grandfather, have kept this information from him. Their additional secrets from each other are straining their relationships during a historical period when any secret can have extreme consequences. Tsukiyama has woven a wonderful tale from one of modern history's darkest times.
The book follows the Lee family from July to November 1958. In the first chapter, seven-year-old Tao climbs a tree to better see the mountains his father, Sheng, promised to take him to visit. A year earlier, Sheng was arrested for writing a letter criticizing the new Communist government, and was sentenced to hard labor in a faraway rural community. The adults, Tao's mother and grandfather, have kept this information from him. Their additional secrets from each other are straining their relationships during a historical period when any secret can have extreme consequences. Tsukiyama has woven a wonderful tale from one of modern history's darkest times.
February 5, 2015
A very easy book that just kept carrying me through the story of the characters lives. The dramas they all faced in 1950s China remained intriguing, hopeful, and filled with both small & greater lessons of life. I admired the family's heroic ability to stay strong in the face of so many obstacles & loss. The love they maintained for each other was beautifully expressed by the author, being very realistic & genuine. I found the book to be filled with a vast collection of historical & cultural facts, making it all the more interesting for me. Gail Tsukiyama added just enough descriptions to every scene so that I could form a fairly clear picture in my mind. This increased its value as a book I didn't want to stop reading & enjoyed thinking about when I had. I often like to see books made into movies. This seems like the kind of book that would allow for that to be possible. I look forward to reading additional books by this author.
December 6, 2012
A beautifully written story. I loved all the characters. It takes place in 1958 in China - life after Mao and the communists came into power. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like to live/grow up in a place where once-valued professors and artists -overnight- were stifled or, even worse, sent to work in mines because they dared to voice their opinions on how their government should treat people. Makes one appreciate life in the US!
March 6, 2021
I’ve enjoyed every book by Gail Tsukiyama. They’re each beautiful! This one was hard - somber, but beautiful.
November 28, 2022
This is a beautiful, gentle, hopeful story of hope, kindness, resilience, and love under pressure. I really liked the format of going from character to character in the story.
October 7, 2023
A well told story about a Chinese family in the 1950s. The grandfather, encouraged by Chairman Mao’s decree to have the population tell him what was wrong in China, the grandfather wrote a critical article. He signed it. Unfortunately his name is the same as his son and it was his son who was arrested and went to prison. The grandfather told no one that he had written the article so his daughter in law and grandson were mystified by the arrest.
The hundred flowers campaign started in May 1956, encouraging citizens to openly express their opinions of the Communist Party. “The policy of letting a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend is designed to promote the flourishing of the arts and the progress of science”. In July 1957, Chairman Mao halted the campaign due to the unexpected demands for power sharing.
An interesting, satisfying reading experience.
This book was first published in 2012.
The hundred flowers campaign started in May 1956, encouraging citizens to openly express their opinions of the Communist Party. “The policy of letting a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend is designed to promote the flourishing of the arts and the progress of science”. In July 1957, Chairman Mao halted the campaign due to the unexpected demands for power sharing.
An interesting, satisfying reading experience.
This book was first published in 2012.
July 13, 2023
I loved this book and it was 5 stars until the end dropped off like in mid sentence. No solutions and no conclusions! I wish I knew more about China’s history and about Chairman Mao but this story takes place in 1957 when Mao gave a speech with this campaign, “Let a hundred flowers bloom; then a hundred schools of thought contend”. He claimed he wanted input from the citizens. Well for about a year nobody said anything because they were frightened. But then in 1958 some people dared to send in their ideas for reform. And about 4 months later Chairman Mao was fed up with the things the people were saying about him personally and cracked down even harder sending dissenters to hard labor camps. This is the story of one families struggles during this time period. Most Americans, myself included, forget that in many parts of the world the freedom for different schools of thought to bloom is never allowed or nurtured. The USA is loud and noisy and chaotic with so many different voices ringing out. But I think I like this noisy country better than the muted silence of oppression!
January 23, 2020
I love reading books by Gail Tsukiyama. Her ability to evoke emotion and place is truly amazing. A Hundred Flowers takes place just after the Hundred Flowers Campaign, in which the Chinese people were encouraged to criticize the communist government. What could go wrong? Everything, of course. A Hundred Flowers is the story of love, loss, secrets, and unintended consequences. It is also a story of forgiveness. It is beautifully written, and the transition between points of view is well done. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2021
A long dreaming poem of a novel
This is a soft, sad and somber novel with hard edges that cut the mind. But there is silver light in the story too that gives the reader glimpses of healing and hope. It’s a long dreaming poem that speaks about life and storms and family and what happens when things don’t work out easily. This would be the fifth novel I’ve read by Gail and it’s a simple, spare and noble effort.
This is a soft, sad and somber novel with hard edges that cut the mind. But there is silver light in the story too that gives the reader glimpses of healing and hope. It’s a long dreaming poem that speaks about life and storms and family and what happens when things don’t work out easily. This would be the fifth novel I’ve read by Gail and it’s a simple, spare and noble effort.
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