My Lucky Face

by May-lee Chai

Lin Jun has everything a modern woman in China could hope a good teaching job; a handsome, intellectual husband; a mother-in-law with connections; a darling son; a TV set; and a "good fortune" face-she is beautiful. But neither the television nor her marriage is working, and Lin Jun is determined to find happiness.

Genres: China, Fiction

257 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Leslie Maughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book okay. I found much of the writing to be beautifully worded. But it took me a long time to really get into it. I was confused quite a bit toward the beginning of the book about the timeline; it jumped around in a way that was hard for me to follow--partially because of one part where the author switched tenses. The book was also filled with comma splices, which drove me nuts. And I wanted more information on Chinese history. The book mentioned so many important times in China's history but didn't do a great job educating about them, and I have almost zero knowledge on the subject.

One excerpt to ponder:

"Not long after Auntie's visit, Uncle Bing called me at work, shouting into the receiver. He was crying, nearly incoherent. 'My wife is gone,' he said.

'Oh,' I said, stupidly. 'I'm so sorry.'

But part of me felt suddenly free. And this feeling both puzzled and frightened me.

I hoped this didn't mean I was a bad person."

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts were harder to get into but overall I really enjoyed the writing style and the storyline.

[Fredsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read; it held my attention and I finished it quickly because I wanted to see what happened in the story. I cared about the main character, I hated her in-laws, I pitied her husband, and by the end I feared her young (5 years old? 6 years old?) son. And I felt some very complicated stuff about China. Almost as complicated as the stuff I feel about the US, which shows I might be growing up. There are some gaps here and there, in the pace mostly. But overall, a pretty good book!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of sarcasm and irony and this book is filled with both, and is very witty. Okay maybe the mood can be depressing but I can identify with the author so I appreciate her talent. Life as it is.