And the Ancestors Sing

by Radha Lin Chaddah

And The Ancestors Sing is a sweeping, multigenerational novel of sacrifice, survival, and the unbreakable pull of home, set against the rapidly changing backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China.

In 1978, as the Cultural Revolution fades into history, Lei is bartered away into marriage for two cartons of cigarettes and a handful of eggs. She finds herself in the unfamiliar village of her new husband, where she is met with indifference. When a disaster upends their world, she and her husband are forced to join China’s vast wave of city-bound, rural migrants, leaving behind children whom they may never see again.

Sixteen-year-old LuLu arrives in Shanghai with nothing but ambition. Denied a factory job and determined to keep her family from starving, she turns to sex work—navigating the dangers of the city’s underbelly with sharp wit and a fierce will to survive. When the powerful and ruthless Farmer Master Wang offers her a chance at security, LuLu faces an impossible choice: seize a future that could lift her family from poverty, or risk everything for a life on her own terms.

Spanning decades of seismic social and economic change, And The Ancestors Sing is a deeply moving exploration of resilience, family, and the ties that bind us, perfect for fans of Pachinko and The Island of Sea Women.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, China, Literary Fiction, Adult, Asia

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Born in London to an East Indian father and a Malaysian Chinese mother, Radha grew up in Kenya, the UK, and the US. She majored in Biology at the University of Chicago, earned medical and law degrees at the University of Illinois, and a Master of Public Health at Harvard University. She completed Internal Medicine residency training and later practiced at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston. Along the way, Radha developed a deep commitment to patient advocacy, to “meeting the patients where they are” and to combating the stigma around mental health. During these busy years, Radha married her wonderful husband and best friend, Avery, and had two terrific daughters, Yani and Ayo.

Life did not slow down! Radha and her family moved, over the course of 20 years, from Boston to NYC to Taipei to Shanghai to Beijing to Princeton, and finally to Philadelphia. GO BIRDS! Each of these places was filled with amazing people, wonderful culture, and incredible personal and work experiences. Radha worked as a primary care physician in Boston, NYC and Beijing; worked with the China CDC to co-write the book, HIV/ AIDS: Beyond the Numbers; and provided mental healthcare to patients in several states as a telemedicine doctor upon settling in Philadelphia. Especially treasured by Radha are the first-hand stories she has been privileged to hear from patients, colleagues, friends, and family alike. These stories, and the storytellers that birthed them, fuel Radha’s passion to write.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

"And the Ancestors Sing" didn't really work for me. I liked the overall concept, but neither the writing nor the plot really sucked me in. There wasn't really a deep-dive into any of the characters, and there were too many time jumps for me to really care about any of their fates.

[Andre B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading 'And the Ancestors Sing'! It was an extraordinary, immersive experience.

Its beautiful, almost lyrical, prose captivated me from the first few pages and never released me from its grip. The characters are truly lifelike. Painstakingly and sympathetically drawn, not one of them is two-dimensional or behaves in an easily predictable fashion. The plot moves briskly forward, and each chapter advances the complex storyline while deepening your relationship with the main protagonists and their supporting cast.

Perhaps the biggest single achievement of this book, however, was the skill with which it transported me to China, gently deposited me there, and then introduced me to one fascinating element or another of the culture and society that had been previously inaccessible to me, however frenetic my prior reading on the topic.

And the Ancestors Sing' is an incredible accomplishment, and I will do all that is in my power to have my book-loving friends and family read it the moment that it becomes broadly available.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

And The Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chaddah is truly a captivating and extraordinary work of historical fiction. After reading the first few chapters of the book, I was highly impressed by the author's prose and found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen next. This is a novel that encompasses the lives of various family members from different generations and that takes place across China. In the village of Da Long, we meet Lei, who was given to her husband in exchange for a carton of cigarettes and some eggs, and who must learn to live and build a life with this man who is like a stranger to her. Lei and her husband Bo raise two children, Yan and Long, who each struggle with issues relating to familial relationships and forming their own identities. Lei and Bo are forced to leave their children behind in order to try to build a better life for them, and are faced with the difficult prospect of possibly not returning to their children again.

One of the other main characters who I felt a strong connection to in the story is a girl named Lulu who is living in Shanghai and is trying to make a better life for herself and her family when the odds are stacked against her. All of the characters in this story are incredibly strong and faced so many barriers that are highly relatable to many people, especially migrants trying to make a better life for themselves. The lyrical prose of the author really draws you into the novel, and the way the various settings are described makes you feel as if you are right there in the story. I learned so much about Chinese culture and society from this author by reading this book. I am so looking forward to reading more of Radha Lin Chaddah's work in the future as her debut novel, And The Ancestors Sing, is truly something special.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Win Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chadha is an ambitious and moving work of multi-generational historical fiction that follows interconnected families in China, from the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution through 2000.

Shifting between rural communities and Shanghai, the novel traces lives shaped by natural disaster, state-led reconstruction, and migration. Chadha offers a balanced, unsentimental portrayal of how the Chinese state operates at the local level, presenting both its constructive and damaging impacts without ideology or simplification.

A recurring and often painful theme is the treatment of rural migrants in urban China. Prostitution, drug use, blood selling, HIV, and the marginalization of those seeking opportunity are woven into the narrative as lived realities rather than abstractions. The novel also thoughtfully addresses mental illness—particularly schizophrenia—and the experience of institutionalization.

It is especially impressive that this novel represents the author’s first foray into fiction. Drawing on insight gained from stories shared with her while working as a visiting doctor in China, the book carries a strong sense of authenticity. As a world history teacher who has studied Chinese history and traveled briefly in China, I found its portrayal of Chinese culture—especially devotion to family, respect for ancestors, and enduring familial obligation—to be dead on.

For its historical depth, emotional honesty, and balance in depicting a complex society, this is a five-star read.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first pages, I knew this novel would be something special. It embodies everything I love about good historical fiction: beautiful writing, a chance to understand a new place/time more deeply, and compelling characters whose lives feel real. Set in post-Cultural Revolution China, the book offers a vivid portrait of a country in transition, but it’s the emotional journeys of Lei, Lulu, and Yan that bring the story to life.
I found myself frequently highlighting Chaddah’s beautiful prose, especially her exquisite use of metaphor. She writes with a quiet lyricism that brings even the harshest moments into clear, compassionate focus. The level of detail in the settings, from the rural rice fields of Da Long to the crowded streets of Shanghai, is exceptional without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s the kind of writing that pulls you in, touches your heart, and makes you pull the cap off your highlighter.
At times the story is truly heartbreaking (exploring the impact of mental illness, sex work, incarceration, and disease on individuals and their families). At the same time, the story shows the profound resilience that sustains families through this hardship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the emotional costs that accompany them. It reminds us again and again that joy and heartbreak often exist side by side.
What stood out to me most is the book’s exploration of what anchors us, our heartland. There’s an enduring pull toward home and belonging that echoes through every chapter. This sense of home includes not only people, but the land itself.
Beautifully written, emotionally rich, and full of unforgettable characters, this is a story that stays with you. It’s a remarkable read for anyone who loves historical fiction with real depth and heart.

[Jill Dobbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about Chinese culture. Since this one was set in earlier times, I was wondering if it would be to my taste. However, I did get into the stories of the characters, good and bad. Reading about the complex lives of Bo and Lei was at the heart of the story. Different characters were introduced at various points in the story, but they ultimately came together toward the end. An engaging read that takes readers to ancient China.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

And The Ancestors Sing is a deeply affecting, quietly powerful novel that carries the weight of history through intimate human lives.

What struck me most was the restraint and care with which this story is told. Rather than relying on spectacle, the novel builds its impact through accumulation — small sacrifices, difficult choices, and the steady erosion of certainty as characters are forced to adapt to a rapidly changing China. The result is a narrative that feels expansive without ever losing its emotional grounding.

The portrayal of migration — both physical and emotional — is especially compelling. Whether moving from village to city or from childhood into adulthood, each transition is marked by loss as much as possibility. The novel captures the cost of survival with honesty, showing how resilience often demands impossible trade-offs, particularly from women whose labor, bodies, and futures are repeatedly negotiated by circumstance.

I was impressed by the attention to lived detail. The settings feel immersive and textured, and the historical backdrop never overwhelms the personal stakes. Instead, the political and social shifts quietly shape every decision, reinforcing how individual lives are inseparable from the eras they inhabit.

The novel’s multigenerational scope is ambitious, and while it occasionally asks the reader to settle into shifting perspectives and timelines, that breadth ultimately strengthens the story. It mirrors the way memory, inheritance, and longing ripple across decades, binding characters together even when they are separated by distance or silence.

At its core, this is a novel about endurance — not in a romanticized sense, but in the slow, necessary way people continue forward despite grief, compromise, and unanswered longing. The pull of home, both as a place and an idea, lingers throughout the book and gives it a quiet emotional gravity.

And The Ancestors Sing is immersive, compassionate, and unflinching. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t rush for impact, but earns it — leaving behind a lasting sense of both sorrow and strength.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stroke of genius to take the eye of Charles Dickens and bring it to China as the country shifts from an agricultural society to an industrialised one. Bringing all of Dicken's craft for great story telling to a little documented period of history, 'And the Ancestors Sings' takes the wide sweep of history and brings it down to an intimate and believable cast of characters. The Cupcake Bride will break your heart, Lulu and her clear-eyed pragmatism will have you cheering her on as she navigates a life of prostitution and the awful Farmer Master will leave you questioning if it was all worth it. See what I mean? Dickens! If you loved 'The Good Women of China' by Xinran or 'Mao's Last Dancer' by Li Cunxin, this book is a no brainer. Though an interest in China is hardly a perquisite. Do you need to care about the Industrial Revolution in England to love 'David Copperfield'? Barbara Kingsolver showed us the kind of literary magic this kind of approach can yield. I couldn't put it down. This is 100% a great book club pick.

[Lilisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in China in the aftermath of its Cultural Revolution years, this historical fiction focuses on the major political, economic, and social changes sweeping the country experienced by three multigenerational families. It’s about poverty, grit, sacrifice, family ties, and sorrow. While I liked historically setting and timeline, I wasn’t wowed by the execution – the structure of the book felt a bit clunky and the writing felt “distant” – it was difficult to connect with the characters or the setting – it kind of felt like I was “viewing” the story through a series of cloudy lens. I liked getting a sense of what it was like living in China during that historical time though but wish I had been able to enjoy the book more. I hope the book speaks to others this more than it did to me. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Michele Sacconaghi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magnificent book tells the story of families, and particularly women, in rural China in the late 1970s through the end of the century. Women were still treated as chattel being sold into marriage and sent to live, often far away, with their husband’s families. Migration to the cities was common to feed China’s economic engine. While we might think of China as an economic behometh today, this book reminds us that it wasn’t long ago that it built its strength on the backs of its rural communities.

And the Ancestors Sing follows the journey of two women, Lei and Lulu, and the pain, necessity and hopefulness of leaving home. As Lei and Lulu have to put aside dreams, we witness the daily indignities and oppression experienced by Lei through her husband and Lulu through her pimp. As tragedies unfold and opportunities arise, the evocative prose makes us feel that we are inhabiting the moment with the characters. As a reader, I wanted to cheer the small triumphs of the women exerting even the tiniest bits of power. As we come to know these women and the worlds they inhabit, we discover their humanity and their hearts’ desires.

The author sweeps the reader along in a steady pace that feels as if it mimics the emotion of the characters’ lives. Even their most ordinary moments carry palpable emotional tension. As we follow along through time with the families of Lei an Lulu, we see the undeniable pull of the places and people associated with home. It is reassuring to see that the next generation will have different choices about what their futures hold. This is a great book club book!

[bookcookery]

This is an impressive debut: a multigenerational saga with characters who feel multidimensional. I’m often wary of historical fiction, which too frequently relies on a romanticization of stoicism, a trope often applied to Asians, and particularly to Asian women. While And the Ancestors Sing occasionally skirts this edge, it provides enough background and interiority to prevent its characters from becoming stereotypes. Chaddah allows them to be petty, impulsive, and hurtful in ways that make them more believable. The novel also centers women and their motivations, which too often fall by the wayside even in historical fiction focused on women’s lives. It clearly draws from the author’s lived experience, and the prose is clean and fast-moving, yet still lyrical.

Thanks to Rising Action Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radha Lin Chaddah’s And the Ancestors Sing is a deeply moving exploration of womanhood, survival, and memory in post–Cultural Revolution China. Through the intertwined stories of Lei, a rural bride sold into marriage, and Lulu, a young girl navigating the perils of Shanghai, Chaddah portrays how poverty, gender, and hope shape generations of women.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its emotional honesty and richly drawn characters. Chaddah’s writing is vivid and immersive — you can almost feel yourself standing in the dusty villages of Da Long or the bustling streets of Shanghai. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. And the Ancestors Sing is a powerful debut and a must-read for 2026, perfect for fans of Pachinko and The Mountains Sing.

[Richard Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Ancestors Sang is the story of two young women from tiny villages in rural China. One migrates to the city as a young teenager; the other stays closely tied to her village. The novel takes place from 1984 through 2000, a period in which China emerged from the chaos of the Cultural Revolution and began its evolution into a nation with a more modern cultural life and economy. But while the setting provides a rich and complex environment for the stories of these women, those stories themselves are so deeply rooted in broader human character and experience that they are larger than time and place. This book is engrossing – sometimes agonizing and always beautiful. I didn’t want it to end, and have missed it since I finished it. I will certainly revisit it.
The power of this novel is in the intimacy of the portrayal of the emotional and spiritual journeys of the two primary characters. Its beating heart is its deep meditation on the alchemy by which identity is first formed and then reformed and refined by the maelstrom of forces at work in human lives. That process has been the hallmark of humanity in all times and places, and it is captured in splendid and illuminating detail as we follow these two young women across three decades of their lives. Here, the implacable forces of family, individual character, culture, change, chance, and the instinctual fight to survive all grip the characters. The degree to which we become integrated into their experience is remarkable. They in turn resist, accept, and at times even remake the factors that shape them. The author so effectively presents the interior existence of her characters that the growth of each woman emerges organically as a perfect expression of soul and experience. All along each journey, the reader is intimately involved in both the immediacy of each episode for each woman, and in the gradual synthesis of all of them. The result, in each case, is a woman in full.
The gift of this book is its exposition of the intricate process of personal formation. The portrayal of that process here stands as a testament to how we all become who we are, regardless of particulars. At the same, it also invites us into a deep and moving participation in the spiritual lives of these two particular women. That participation is emotional and insightful, and it was a great pleasure to have been invited.

[Vania · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chaddah (eARC)
Pub Date: 3 Feb 2026

Short Synopsis:
And the Ancestors Sing is a multigenerational historical novel set in China during and after the Cultural Revolution. It follows several women from rural villages to Shanghai, exploring the sacrifices they make for their families. Through themes of family, resilience, trauma, and identity, it portrays their struggles and perseverance, offering a portrait of love, duty, and survival across decades

My Thoughts:
My experience with And the Ancestors Sing was quite mixed. The premise of a multigenerational story set in post-Cultural Revolution China immediately interested me, but the book did not capture my attention straightaway. The early chapters left me feeling confused, and the frequent shifts between characters made it difficult to connect with the narrative. There were even moments when I considered putting it down.

However, I decided to continue reading, and I am glad that I did. As the story progressed, the latter part became far more engaging. The emotional journeys of the characters grew stronger, and by the end, I appreciated the themes of sacrifice, family, and resilience much more than I initially expected. I genuinely started to enjoy the story from the halfway point onwards.

Even so, I still felt that the pacing and structure were uneven. The transitions between characters and timelines often felt abrupt, and the story did not always flow smoothly. This is something I would particularly like to highlight, as it may affect how easily some readers can follow the narrative.

All in all, the plot was sometimes confusing, but I still enjoyed the overall concept and themes. Though my experience was mixed, it’s still a decent read, with enough emotional depth in the later chapters to make it worthwhile.

Overall Rating:
⭐️ 3.5/5

Thank you to @risingactionpublishingco @rchaddah and @netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Eileen Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of post-Cultural Revolution China, “And the ancestors sing” takes readers on a poignant journey from 1978 to 2000, exploring the lives of families navigating the tumultuous landscape of migration and urbanization. The narrative beautifully captures the struggles and aspirations of rural families as they move to Shanghai in search of a better life.


The characters embody the resilience of those striving for a brighter future, showcasing the emotional and physical challenges faced during their migration.

The novel deftly illustrates the clash between traditional rural values and the modernizing forces of urban life, painting a vivid picture of the evolving Chinese

The focus on familial relationships adds depth, revealing how migration impacts not just individuals but entire families across generations.

The characters are richly developed, each representing different facets of society. Their diverse experiences create a tapestry of voices that resonate with authenticity. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, reflecting the hopes and heartaches of many who have faced similar paths.


The author, Radha, employs a lyrical writing style that immerses readers in the setting. Vivid descriptions and emotive language bring to life the struggles of rural life and the bright, yet daunting, promise of the city. The pacing allows for both reflection and tension, making it a gripping read.

“And the Ancestors sing”is a powerful exploration of migration and identity in modern China. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience amidst societal change. Radha has crafted a narrative that is both personal and universal, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better life.

**Rating:** ★★★★★(5/5)

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an “evocative and sweeping” multigenerational story set in 1970-1980s China. The author writes with such beauty and precision as she tells the story of two generations of two families as they tackle the unforgiving life in Mao’s China.

The book alternates between the small village of Da Long and Shanghai. The book open in 1978 with family of Bo and Lei, paddy rice laborers, as they struggle under the control of the greedy and corrupt Master Wang. While in 1980 Lulu has left her ancestral home for the bright lights of Shanghai only to be relegated to work as a prostitute in order to send money to her sister. Lulu lives in a city that denies health care and education to rural workers. Lei and Lulu are diametrically different characters. Lei is quiet and modest and strives to be the good Chinese wife while Lulu is trying to escape that inevitability. Overtime Lei’s family grows and Lulu’s sister comes of age so that when the book ends in 2000 the next generation is trying to forge an identity in a new China.

This a women’s story - and as I read I kept thinking we women are always relegated to second class citizenship and stature no matter where we live. This is definitely evinced in this book. Lei and Lulu have a harder path than any of the men in the book. But inevitably their characters are much more resilient and they can weather change better than the men.

The book is so beautifully written. There is so much detail in it - describing the paddy field, city life , dress and manners. China is brought to life. And as historical fiction, we have the opportunity to experience this which is historical fiction as a genre is so important

I want to thank NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for allowing me to read this amazing ARC
#AndtheAncestorsSing
#RisingActionPublishingCompany
#RaddahLinChaddah

[Shaun Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radha Lin Chaddah’s debut novel, And the Ancestors Sing, is alive with vivid characters and crisp action portraying something rare in contemporary fiction—everyday life in China’s post-Cultural Revolution. Chaddah doesn’t merely bring this world into clear focus, her dialogue and scenes push and pull us across the terrain, keeping us so close to the ground you might find dirt on your hands. And the story is so good, it won’t matter!

It’s an epic tale of courage and love, resilience and faith that rivals Steinbeck’s depiction of America’s unmooring during the Great Depression. And that’s no accident. Chaddah lived, worked and raised her family in China during the tail end of the timeline covered in the tale. So she knows some things. And she’s a gifted storyteller.

This narrative thoughtfully explores the nuances of multiple decades of cultural and economic transformation carried upon the shoulders of real people, revealing their delicate, smelly, grubby, dangerous, hilarious intimate lives—the shadows and sighs of Husband and Wife, the bitter debate dividing a mother and her sweet son’s wife, the desperation of how badly a good girl can try to please her family, the terror of powerful people debating whether to help or hurt.

You want to pick this book up, but beware, you may not be able to set it down.

NOTE: My thanks to Rising Action for providing an advanced reader copy.

[RecycledWords · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following the interconnected lives of 3 families from the late 1970s up to the year 2000, And The Ancestors Sing provides a narrative for 3 different strata of society throughout and following the Cultural Revolution in China. What each family has in common is that they are all from provicincial backgrounds and therefore restricted in ways very different to those who were lucky enough to have city dweller status. I can see why parallels have been drawn to Pachinko and The Island of Sea Women in terms of how the novels are structured and that they tell the stories of individuals outside of the elite but for me that is the only real point where these 3 novels are comparable.

Whilst I did eventually get drawn in to the novel, I found it took a while to get warmed up and having now finished it in its entirity I have to confess I just wasn't that drawn to any characters except for Yan. Perhaps it would have been preferable for Chaddah to focus more heavily on the "main" character of each family throughout rather than shifting the perspectives within the family narratives as I felt the characters were a little thinly drawn and would have liked a deeper insight into some of their motivations and personalities.

And The Ancestors Sing is Chaddah's debut novel so I would definitely give future writing of hers a chance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, Radha Lin Chaddah brings to life a host of compelling characters who dare to live with love and compassion even in the face of suffering. Chaddah’s stunning prose animates strong women like Lei, Lulu, MeiLin, and Yan against richly drawn rural and urban landscapes. “...the hills are thickly carpeted with greenery so bold that the land seems to cry with life.”

The author develops complex characters with tremendous honesty and respect, be they farm workers or sex workers. Chaddah is equally unflinching in her exploration of mental illness and the genius and heartbreak that can accompany a disability. She provoked my thinking about marriage, motherhood, and migration while offering a master class in Chinese history and culture.

Chaddah took me on a journey to China’s cities and heartland, across her vast landscapes and into the hearts of her people. Sometimes, the depth and beauty of her characters, their will to survive, and their unraveling dreams made this reader’s heart ache. “...one did not have to go anywhere to feel everything; to get the best of yourself; to experience all the terrible and wonderful things the world had to offer.”

This brilliant novel lingered with me long after I read the last page. Like the characters who are inextricably hooked to the land, this reader was hooked from start to finish.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

And the Ancestors Sing spans 1978-the 2000s, exploring a range of themes from poverty, familial duty/trauma, neurological conditions, HIV, and on and on. There was much more to the book than I initially expected based on the description issued from the publisher, but the way the author unfolded it all was masterfully done with subtlety and a light hand, focusing primarily on the characters and their lives. Normally I love long sweeping books about families but I tend to tune out a little when reading about the family members I don't care about-this didn't happen here because I wanted to know what happened to all of them. It's a talented author that can write a book with so many different characters, but make each one engaging in different ways.

Parts of the book were beautiful-Yan describing a letter from her absent mother as a flower with all but a few petals plucked out comes to mind- and parts were devastating. Some of the transitions from one scene to the next were abrupt toward the beginning of the book, making it difficult to figure out what was happening to whom, but it smoothed out as the book went along.

[Kristen I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, this novel is one of the best debut novels that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. And The Ancestors Sing is an evocative narrative that masterfully delves into themes of sacrifice, resilience, generational trauma, and personal identity all against the backdrop of post-cultural revolution China. Chaddah writes each of her characters in multifaceted way that has you rooting for each and every one of them at varying points throughout the novel; no single character is ever truly discernible as being unequivocally “good” or “bad” and that makes for an intriguing read in which one can never quite tell what exactly is going to play out in the pages ahead. Her use of language enables readers to create vivid, sensory rich images and feel as though they have been transported into the novel and are actively living through the scenes they are reading. The entire novel is beautifully written and the compelling prose makes And The Ancestors Sing a novel that is impossible to put down once you’ve started. I absolutely loved everything about this book and can’t wait to see what story Chaddah produces next!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Ancestors Sing is a masterpiece! An epic, sweeping tale spanning decades in a rapidly changing China, it manages to be both deeply personal and universal at the same time. The unique, nuanced, and tender stories of the characters transport the reader to a very specific time and place. Yet, the overarching themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and change are ones to which we can all can relate.

I have traveled and visited family and friends throughout Asia over the past two decades, and Chaddah’s writing takes me right back. Her vivid descriptions of landscapes, outfits, houses, and faces created detailed pictures in my mind. These images transported me and made the journey come alive. This is a book that deserves a big screen adaptation!

The characters feel like real people, with hopes, dreams, fears, and flaws. Chaddah’s writing allowed me to experience their pain, yearning, and devotion, and I felt invested in them, rooting for their success along the way. And now I’m rooting for the success of this amazing debut author, as well.

Now I just need a sequel to see what happens next…

[Ria · Rating 2 out of 5]

NETGALLEY ARC
I was excited to read this book because it has an intriguing concept and has an important historical backdrop, but ultimately it didn’t work for me. The biggest issue was the lack of character depth. I never felt like I truly got to know any of the characters beyond the surface, which made it difficult to connect emotionally with their experiences. There was also too many characters who i would call space fillers.

The story also switches between characters including (space filler characters) with very little warning, and the abrupt transitions often pulled me out of the narrative. Instead of feeling like a sweeping multigenerational tale, the constant shifting made the book feel scattered and disjointed and left me confused on who we was currently following.

I also think the novel would have benefitted from a Foreword or historical context about life in China before 1978. The book jumps immediately into the characters' struggles, but without a foundation explaining the political and social climate, the early chapters felt confusing and lacked the necessary grounding. I didnt even realise it was Post Mao China until he was mentioned briefly.

[J.L. Lienhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He gave her his affections in small pieces directed at small parts of her. Frustration and urging directed her strong shoulders to work and put coins in his pocket, where green apples and half smiles were reserved for her swollen abdomen, needed to carry his child. His eyes didn't see her in her wholeness. He couldn't."

This is an absolutely stunning read. If you're looking for historical fiction with literary prose, thought-provoking, multi-dimensional characters, and rich setting, you must read this book!

And the Ancestors Sing was an intense introduction into the realities of post-cultural revolution China, focusing on multi-generational stories of women struggling to find their way between rural roots and the possibilities of the city. Chaddah explores motherhood, family obligation, mental illness, and sacrifice through a truly heartbreaking story spanning decades.

I loved curling up with this book, the beautiful sentences and storytelling style were enjoyable from start to finish.

[Holly Taggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of this novel, coming out in February!
In short, this is a historical fiction novel that spans generations in China during the cultural revolution. Readers are swept into a multigenerational saga, and into the Chinese setting with attention to character development and cultural and societal norms.

We follow Lei and her husband as they move from a rural area into the city - with so many others. In the city, we meet Lulu a plucky 16 yr old who's keeping her family afloat, but also trying to live her own life and be true to her own self. The story, flows naturally and I was quickly immersed and invested in the characters and setting. I really had to know how things were going to go for each character!

This will appeal to readers who enjoyed Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. The themes of family, ancestors, identity progress, and change are similar, but the stories, and the setting are quite distinct. Highly recommend.

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like the odd one out in this review section. I didn't enjoy this book at all. I didnt like any of the characters. I just felt so bad for them all and how there were always trials and tribulations for them. Bo was horrible and honestly disgusting to me. He seemed better in the end, but ew. Lei had to put up with that. Felt bad for Jiang and Long too. Yan was probably the only character I kind of liked. The end was nice in that she can now help others including her brother.
It took me so long to see how the stories of Lei and Lulu connected. I didn't care to know about Farmer Master or Lao Fu, but we see how the men get what they want and the women seem to suffer. I don't like what Lulu became. Grief shouldn't make you lash out at others. Slapping a girl for asking a question? Like come on.
Pretty disappointed in this book unfortunately.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

And the Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chaddah is a haunting debut about womanhood, survival, and memory in post–Cultural Revolution China. The story follows Lei, a rural bride sold into marriage, and LuLu, a young girl navigating life in Shanghai. The writing is vivid and poetic, and Chaddah creates a strong sense of place that makes the world feel alive.

What didn’t work for me were the abrupt time jumps and shifts in perspective. Scenes often changed mid-paragraph with no warning, making it hard to follow the timeline or stay grounded in the story. It sometimes felt unfinished, like key transitions were missing.

Still, the themes of resilience, poverty, and hope across generations are powerful, and I admire the heart behind the story. Readers who love lyrical, multi-generational sagas like Pachinko might connect more deeply than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A multigenerational historic fiction based in the terraced farmland of China and Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution. Family and the ancestors are the driving force of people. Women live with their husband's family and the son's mother decides for all. What drives people to rise out of poverty for the good of the family? Moving to Shanghai and selling your body or blood to send money back to the village to help your family survive. Or working the soil, planting rice, making food to sell at the market, or buying and repairing bicycles, motorbikes, and trucks to create enough to provide for your family. Sacrifice, trauma, education, protecting and supporting family, resilience, mental health, neurodivergence, personal identity, poverty are the themes Chaddah's characters embodied.

Thanks Rising Action Publishing for an advanced reader copy.

[Cristy Ramadani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

And the Ancestors Sing offers a powerful, emotional journey through womanhood, survival, memory, and sacrifice in post-Cultural Revolution China. The alternating lives of its women — from rural villages to chaotic urban migration — carry the weight of family, loss, hope, and the pull of home. The author’s rich, vivid imagery transported me straight into dusty fields, crowded city streets, and quiet rural homes. The intimate exploration of family bonds, hardship, and resilience made me deeply invested in the characters.

At times the shifting perspectives and time leaps felt abrupt, making it harder to stay grounded in certain transitions. But overall the novel moved me, and its portrayal of women forging identity and survival in difficult times is unforgettable.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly I only got about a third through "And The Ancestors Sing" by Radha Lin Chaddah before I decided to stop and switch to another book.
While I have read many dual time line/dual character type books, I just found this too confusing and it just didn't flow for me. Lulu's story did sound fascinating and I wanted to follow her more. There is huge potential for a moving story set in post-Cultural Revolution China both women — from rural village to urban Shanghai - are trying to support their families the best way they can.
A vast multi generational cast also confused me further though.
Best wishes to the author as they start their journey. Not every book appeals to everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for my copy.