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The Moon Goddess's Smile
"...A compelling personal story...shaped by history...characters are memorable... a distinctive voice... the striking sensory quality...An observant and emotionally authentic novel of homecoming. "
— Kirkus Reviews
"Secrets, scars, and stories--a fascinating historical novel of cultural & personal significance."
— Independent Book Review
A homebound journey evolves into an American's midlife confrontation with her Chinese past.
A conflicted biomedical researcher returns to China to transfer her late grandmother's apartment to her male cousin so he can marry. However, a simple legal task to save her dwindling clan turns into a Kafkaesque nightmare, and her interracial marriage in Boston begins to unravel. Straddling two clashing cultures, she struggles to regain equilibrium before resuscitating her American life.
The story portrays a resilient Chinese family that has survived a tumultuous century. Ultimately, it celebrates the human potential of reaching enlightenment during a crisis.
— Kirkus Reviews
"Secrets, scars, and stories--a fascinating historical novel of cultural & personal significance."
— Independent Book Review
A homebound journey evolves into an American's midlife confrontation with her Chinese past.
A conflicted biomedical researcher returns to China to transfer her late grandmother's apartment to her male cousin so he can marry. However, a simple legal task to save her dwindling clan turns into a Kafkaesque nightmare, and her interracial marriage in Boston begins to unravel. Straddling two clashing cultures, she struggles to regain equilibrium before resuscitating her American life.
The story portrays a resilient Chinese family that has survived a tumultuous century. Ultimately, it celebrates the human potential of reaching enlightenment during a crisis.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 17, 2025
Absorbing and captivating. Wu seamlessly weaves us between the present (circa 2012) and the past. Not just her own past, but that of her family. A truly multi-generational tale. A lot of Chinese history is learned along the way. Mei’s grandpa was quite a kick - loved him. Pre-World War II through 2012 is covered. With expertly tailored storytelling, a whole lot is packed into this novel, in an easily readable length.
There are some uncomfortable topics covered: Inappropriate sexual behavior of an adult man toward a grade-school girl and a reference to an adolescent boy being molested by a priest. Also, a man in a traditional marriage reveals near the end of the book turns out to be gay (that plot point was disappointing). The story is quasi-autobiographical, so I do sure hope these were narrative devices and not actual occurrences in the author’s life. The narrative does veer a little too close to a memoir in spots, but thankfully these aren’t lengthy or frequent. Also, a tiny bit of anti-Americanism creeps in, but again, it’s not a significant amount.
An impressive debut. Recommended.
A great big thank you to Catherine Wu for providing free access to this story in exchange for a review. The opinions are my own.
- Desiree Reads
October 16, 2025
There are some uncomfortable topics covered: Inappropriate sexual behavior of an adult man toward a grade-school girl and a reference to an adolescent boy being molested by a priest. Also, a man in a traditional marriage reveals near the end of the book turns out to be gay (that plot point was disappointing). The story is quasi-autobiographical, so I do sure hope these were narrative devices and not actual occurrences in the author’s life. The narrative does veer a little too close to a memoir in spots, but thankfully these aren’t lengthy or frequent. Also, a tiny bit of anti-Americanism creeps in, but again, it’s not a significant amount.
An impressive debut. Recommended.
A great big thank you to Catherine Wu for providing free access to this story in exchange for a review. The opinions are my own.
- Desiree Reads
October 16, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
If you love reading novels, you don't want to miss this one!
Without destroying the plot, I will sum up Catherine Wu's breakout novel, The Moon Goddess's Smile, simply by telling you it's a tale of cultural clash, resistance and assimilation as folks of Asian ancestry adjust to the challenges of life in 21st century America while their personal problems come to the forefront. But I'm being too simplistic here. Ms. Wu presents us with a solid literary package chock full of drama, suspense, plot twists and lively, moving writing that has “future TV mini-series” written all over it. She presents a flowing story upon a river with frequent rapids for the reader to navigate with caution and deliberation.. She will strum the strings of your emotional guitar through the full range of its abilities. Indeed, she is a female Dante who – with her words – paints vivid images of the inferno life sometimes can be. But let me not lead you to conclude this volume is totally ensconced in a venture to the Dark Side. Yes, there are scary moments, but overall, it's a story that will educate, enlighten and entertain anyone who dares to delve into it. Go for it – it's worth the effort.
Mike Mulhern
Retired journalist
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Without destroying the plot, I will sum up Catherine Wu's breakout novel, The Moon Goddess's Smile, simply by telling you it's a tale of cultural clash, resistance and assimilation as folks of Asian ancestry adjust to the challenges of life in 21st century America while their personal problems come to the forefront. But I'm being too simplistic here. Ms. Wu presents us with a solid literary package chock full of drama, suspense, plot twists and lively, moving writing that has “future TV mini-series” written all over it. She presents a flowing story upon a river with frequent rapids for the reader to navigate with caution and deliberation.. She will strum the strings of your emotional guitar through the full range of its abilities. Indeed, she is a female Dante who – with her words – paints vivid images of the inferno life sometimes can be. But let me not lead you to conclude this volume is totally ensconced in a venture to the Dark Side. Yes, there are scary moments, but overall, it's a story that will educate, enlighten and entertain anyone who dares to delve into it. Go for it – it's worth the effort.
Mike Mulhern
Retired journalist
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
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April 18, 2025Catherine Wu’s debut is historical fiction that reads like a touching memoir. It shares a family history through a cultural revolution that alternatively favors and destroys the foundations of their generations. Following serene past family times through Japanese occupation and the emergence of Chinese oppression, we see the impacts on individuals and how they cope through unimaginable changes. At the same time, we follow one woman’s life of escaping to the United States and living that new culture. The contrasts are both subtle and jarring, ranging from nostalgic pleasure to stoic avoidance, a constant state of learning, growing, and conflict. The writing is beautiful and richly descriptive, seeing and hearing the streets, smelling the flowers, admiring the beauty of art. The Moon Goddess’s Smile is alternately historically instructive, deeply intimate, and introspectively self-healing, a meaningful journey.
May 6, 2025
Catherine Wu's "The Moon Goddess's Smile" offers a poignant and reflective journey as a Chinese woman living in Boston is compelled to return to her homeland for a brief but impactful visit. The narrative blends the protagonist's present-day experiences with introspective flashbacks to her past in China, as well as her family's past, creating a tapestry of personal history intertwined with the broader historical context of the nation.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to weave historical information into the narrative. Wu avoids dry exposition, instead allowing the reader to absorb the history through the protagonist's lived experiences and reflections. This approach transforms what could have been a simple story into an educational and culturally immersive experience. The author also adds moments of levity through humorous character interactions, which provide a welcome balance to the more serious themes. The relatability of the characters is a significant asset, making their experiences and reflections resonate with the reader.
"The Moon Goddess's Smile" is recommended for adult readers who appreciate a character-driven story with a strong cultural and historical backdrop. It offers a blend of personal reflection and historical insight, making it a rewarding read for those interested in exploring the complexities of identity and cultural heritage.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to weave historical information into the narrative. Wu avoids dry exposition, instead allowing the reader to absorb the history through the protagonist's lived experiences and reflections. This approach transforms what could have been a simple story into an educational and culturally immersive experience. The author also adds moments of levity through humorous character interactions, which provide a welcome balance to the more serious themes. The relatability of the characters is a significant asset, making their experiences and reflections resonate with the reader.
"The Moon Goddess's Smile" is recommended for adult readers who appreciate a character-driven story with a strong cultural and historical backdrop. It offers a blend of personal reflection and historical insight, making it a rewarding read for those interested in exploring the complexities of identity and cultural heritage.
May 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a family history through the eyes of the main character. It starts with her in current time living in Boston. She gets a call from a family member that she needs to go to her home town in China for a family matter. When she arrives, all the memories of her life growing up in China are shared with us as she recounts her family’s lives during various times in China’s history. This is an over simplification of the book but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Read it. I think you will enjoy it. The end will definitely be a surprise.
May 13, 2025
From start to finish of this wonderful book I was pulled into both the main character Mei's life and the rich history of her family and Chinese society. What you'll find in here is a great mix of a story of struggle and growth at the individual level of Mei's life and of the history of struggle and perseverance of four generations of her family living through modern Chinese history.
In the end I felt like I had been standing alongside Mei as she gained new life perspective, with a much better appreciation of China's path through the 20th century.
In the end I felt like I had been standing alongside Mei as she gained new life perspective, with a much better appreciation of China's path through the 20th century.
April 30, 2025
The Moon Goddess's Smile is a gripping and unflinchingly honest tale of a Chinese family navigating the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. The protagonist, Mei, a scientist, offers a compelling perspective on America as she grapples with cultural identity and change. Catherine Wu’s vivid prose and emotional depth make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and cross-cultural stories. Highly recommended!
July 8, 2025
So Many Stories
This was an interesting read for me as my mother-in-law grew up in Shanghai and experienced the Japanese invasion. It helped me to understand what she went through. This was a fascinating window into Chinese culture.
This was an interesting read for me as my mother-in-law grew up in Shanghai and experienced the Japanese invasion. It helped me to understand what she went through. This was a fascinating window into Chinese culture.
September 17, 2025
The Moon Goddess’s Smile
by Catherine C. Wu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Thank you to the lovely author for the Ebook!
This debut had me quietly stunned, the kind of story that doesn’t just unfold, it lingers like incense smoke in the room long after you’ve finished. Catherine C. Wu has written a deeply personal, gorgeously observant novel about identity, family, and what it means to straddle two cultures without ever fully belonging to either. 🌙✨
Our MC returns to China for what should be a quick legal errand, but instead it cracks open decades of history, memory, and pain. I was absolutely immersed in the generational storytelling, the political backdrop, and the sensory detail, the food, the streets, the flowers, the quiet grief woven into every corner of the narrative.
What I Loved
• 🌸 The writing is lyrical and immersive, reads like a memoir and a novel all at once
• 🏮 The interweaving of family history with broader Chinese history felt seamless and authentic
• 🌍 The cultural clash between Boston and China was handled with nuance and depth
• 💔 Characters felt raw, flawed, and alive, you want to hug them and shake them in equal measure
• 📖 The reflective tone made it not just a story but an emotional journey
What Didn’t Work for Me
• 🐌 The pacing sometimes dragged, so much exposition slowed momentum
• 🧩 There were a lot of names and family members, which got confusing at times
• 😶 Some moments happened “off-page” and I wanted to feel them more directly instead of through reflection
TROPES / THEMES
• Generational trauma & resilience 🌿
• Culture clash & identity crisis 🌏
• Family secrets & legacies 🔑
• Returning home to confront the past 🏠
• Marriage unraveling under pressure 💔
Final Thoughts:
The Moon Goddess’s Smile is a moving exploration of homecoming and history, of trying to reconcile the fractured pieces of who you are. It’s not a quick or flashy read, but it’s one that will reward patience with beauty, heartbreak, and insight. Think literary fiction meets memoir, with enough sensory detail to make you feel like you’ve walked both Boston’s streets and your grandmother’s garden in China. A quietly powerful debut.
by Catherine C. Wu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Thank you to the lovely author for the Ebook!
This debut had me quietly stunned, the kind of story that doesn’t just unfold, it lingers like incense smoke in the room long after you’ve finished. Catherine C. Wu has written a deeply personal, gorgeously observant novel about identity, family, and what it means to straddle two cultures without ever fully belonging to either. 🌙✨
Our MC returns to China for what should be a quick legal errand, but instead it cracks open decades of history, memory, and pain. I was absolutely immersed in the generational storytelling, the political backdrop, and the sensory detail, the food, the streets, the flowers, the quiet grief woven into every corner of the narrative.
What I Loved
• 🌸 The writing is lyrical and immersive, reads like a memoir and a novel all at once
• 🏮 The interweaving of family history with broader Chinese history felt seamless and authentic
• 🌍 The cultural clash between Boston and China was handled with nuance and depth
• 💔 Characters felt raw, flawed, and alive, you want to hug them and shake them in equal measure
• 📖 The reflective tone made it not just a story but an emotional journey
What Didn’t Work for Me
• 🐌 The pacing sometimes dragged, so much exposition slowed momentum
• 🧩 There were a lot of names and family members, which got confusing at times
• 😶 Some moments happened “off-page” and I wanted to feel them more directly instead of through reflection
TROPES / THEMES
• Generational trauma & resilience 🌿
• Culture clash & identity crisis 🌏
• Family secrets & legacies 🔑
• Returning home to confront the past 🏠
• Marriage unraveling under pressure 💔
Final Thoughts:
The Moon Goddess’s Smile is a moving exploration of homecoming and history, of trying to reconcile the fractured pieces of who you are. It’s not a quick or flashy read, but it’s one that will reward patience with beauty, heartbreak, and insight. Think literary fiction meets memoir, with enough sensory detail to make you feel like you’ve walked both Boston’s streets and your grandmother’s garden in China. A quietly powerful debut.
April 15, 2025
Catherine C. Wu's debut novel, *The Moon Goddess's Smile*, is a captivating exploration of cultural identity and family dynamics set against the rich tapestry of 20th-century China. The story follows Mei, a protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable as she navigates the complexities of her dual heritage.
Wu's writing style is both engaging and evocative, bringing cities like Shanghai and Nanjing to life with vivid imagery. As noted by Erica Ball from the Independent Book Review, the novel "deftly interweaves ancient legend, myth, and folktale with the real historical events that shaped China". This unique blend allows readers to experience significant historical moments, such as the Japanese invasion of Nanjing and the Tiananmen Square massacre, through the eyes of characters we come to know and care about.
The emotional depth of the narrative is enhanced by Mei's relationships with her family, particularly her grandfather, who imparts wisdom and encouragement throughout her journey. K. C. Finn from Readers’ Favorite praises the novel for its "raw honesty and emotional depth," highlighting how Mei's struggles resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.
Moreover, Wu's ability to capture the essence of cultural duality is remarkable. As Patricia Daly-Lipe, PhD, points out, the novel guides readers through "cultural clashes between her protagonist’s Chinese family’s traditional ways, present-day Chinese society, and her adoptive America’s mores". This exploration of identity and belonging is not only timely but also timeless, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience and the complexities of family heritage.
In conclusion, *The Moon Goddess's Smile* is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own cultural identities while immersing them in a rich historical context. With its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for fans of cultural dramas and those seeking a deeper understanding of the interplay between tradition and modernity.
Wu's writing style is both engaging and evocative, bringing cities like Shanghai and Nanjing to life with vivid imagery. As noted by Erica Ball from the Independent Book Review, the novel "deftly interweaves ancient legend, myth, and folktale with the real historical events that shaped China". This unique blend allows readers to experience significant historical moments, such as the Japanese invasion of Nanjing and the Tiananmen Square massacre, through the eyes of characters we come to know and care about.
The emotional depth of the narrative is enhanced by Mei's relationships with her family, particularly her grandfather, who imparts wisdom and encouragement throughout her journey. K. C. Finn from Readers’ Favorite praises the novel for its "raw honesty and emotional depth," highlighting how Mei's struggles resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.
Moreover, Wu's ability to capture the essence of cultural duality is remarkable. As Patricia Daly-Lipe, PhD, points out, the novel guides readers through "cultural clashes between her protagonist’s Chinese family’s traditional ways, present-day Chinese society, and her adoptive America’s mores". This exploration of identity and belonging is not only timely but also timeless, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience and the complexities of family heritage.
In conclusion, *The Moon Goddess's Smile* is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own cultural identities while immersing them in a rich historical context. With its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for fans of cultural dramas and those seeking a deeper understanding of the interplay between tradition and modernity.
September 13, 2025
Told in a delightful, amusing, extremely winning narrative voice, The Moon Goddess’s Smile is a madcap journey through both geography and memory with a serious quest at its core: the struggle to preserve one’s family in the face of cultural differences and other stressors.
I very much enjoyed this immersive and emotionally gripping story of a highly sympathetic protagonist traveling to China to help her extended family even as she tries to make sense of history and the memories of her varied and colorful life. It’s a novel rich in cultural and historical detail, a beautifully woven tapestry of history and family memory that includes comic and tragicomic family struggles, moving accounts of effects of the China’s repressive political history, the challenges of immigration and assimilation, and lyrical reflections on matters of spirit and ancient legend.
Catherine Wu is an extremely talented novelist. Her prose is lyrical, well-paced, and capable of great emotional range. I think it’s unusual to find this kind of writing in a little-known self-published book, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I very much enjoyed this immersive and emotionally gripping story of a highly sympathetic protagonist traveling to China to help her extended family even as she tries to make sense of history and the memories of her varied and colorful life. It’s a novel rich in cultural and historical detail, a beautifully woven tapestry of history and family memory that includes comic and tragicomic family struggles, moving accounts of effects of the China’s repressive political history, the challenges of immigration and assimilation, and lyrical reflections on matters of spirit and ancient legend.
Catherine Wu is an extremely talented novelist. Her prose is lyrical, well-paced, and capable of great emotional range. I think it’s unusual to find this kind of writing in a little-known self-published book, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
November 15, 2025
This is a beautiful multi-generational coming of age story about the weight of collective cultural grief and the often unspoken expectations we put upon ourselves because of it. Wu's characters really shine in their authenticity, even small side characters feel vivid and well developed, reminding the reader of people they've met while gentley guiding them toward the overall conclusive theme of the novel. I was particularly compelled by the side-plot of Tony, the main character's husband, whose own relationship with culture, religion, and family is often overshadowed in both the mind of the reader and main character by her own experiences. Tony's storyline took me by surprise right alongside the characters of the novel, though it should not have because Wu was very clear about the story of cultural impact that she was telling, and it led to a beautiful ending full of hope and possibility for the next generation. A five star read with so many layers to explore, definitely for fans of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.
June 19, 2025
Absolutely soul-changing! "The Moon Goddess’s Smile" entrances you till the end. I was completely absorbed into this book as we meet our narrator, Mei, a Chinese-born American middle-aged woman married to a laowai husband and with two kids (twins) on the horizon of a family vacation. When Mei receives a phone call about her Grandmother’s death two weeks later, mind you, but Mei is needed for something more critical, which draws her back to her homeland in Nanjing, China.
Think The Joy Luck Club meets Chicken Soup for the Soul, as Wu captivates you with every page turn, tearing at your emotions. Wu so deeply connects you with our main character, Mei. I was Mei! Forever were we intertwined with her from page one till the very end, where you are renewed just like Mei.
Think The Joy Luck Club meets Chicken Soup for the Soul, as Wu captivates you with every page turn, tearing at your emotions. Wu so deeply connects you with our main character, Mei. I was Mei! Forever were we intertwined with her from page one till the very end, where you are renewed just like Mei.
November 14, 2025
While the descriptions of the antiques, stories, and history are very interesting, the overall flow of the book is hard to follow. This is not an easy read, and took much longer than I expected.
The ending was a complete surprise to me, which I am sure was the author's intent.
The ending was a complete surprise to me, which I am sure was the author's intent.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews