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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 2, 2014
A gentle little book, pleasant read and the plot line weaves nicely - the reveal when it comes is not a surprise, as you'll have worked it out already. Sometimes her descriptors are clumsy and it's certainly not the work of a great story teller but it's enjoyable and a wonderful insight into another culture.
February 17, 2017
This was an easy read and enjoyable in parts - mainly the reflections on her upbringing by the main character, Juju. The downfall, I felt, came from the current experiences of Juju (Dr. Lin). I didn't find her character at all appealing in the present day and I really couldn't believe that she could (or indeed, had) formed a friendship with her client Lucy - this "friendship" never seemed to progress beyond a stilted acquaintanceship and I couldn't buy into any deeper feelings between the two (nor the interest Lucy's husband Mark begins to show in Juju). The whole story really revolves around the "secret" that Juju carries with her and the "betrayal" of her beloved grandfather. You don't find out until the end how she actually betrayed him and, when it gets to the point, it is something of an anti-climax. The build-up throughout Juju's reminiscences was nicely done and it seemed increasingly certain that the grandfather was in danger in his position as a traditional, well-respected herbal doctor, from the increasing presence and power of the red guards. Juju's naivety and growing respect for the Red Guard leader (Steel) was convincing and increasingly frustrating and the potential for her to inadvertently endanger her grandfather became worryingly clear. Unfortunately, when the threads of the story come together and the "betrayal" of her grandfather is revealed it becomes far less believable and also less dramatic than it had seemed. In fact, when I found out what had actually happened, I just wondered why she hadn't managed to resolve the situation and repair the relationship with him straight away . . . there's no mention of what came after for her in-between betraying him and ending up in England.
Then there's the information about her past that her employer, Mr. Ching, threatens to use against her - what exactly it is that would cause her reputation any damage was beyond me!
Overall, some nice writing, I enjoyed the elements of her childhood in China and the sense of threat that continued to build but felt the story was let down by an unconvincing character in the present day and an underwhelming ending.
Then there's the information about her past that her employer, Mr. Ching, threatens to use against her - what exactly it is that would cause her reputation any damage was beyond me!
Overall, some nice writing, I enjoyed the elements of her childhood in China and the sense of threat that continued to build but felt the story was let down by an unconvincing character in the present day and an underwhelming ending.
November 1, 2020
2.8* : Underwhelming. A Chinese acupuncturist has run away from China to live a lonely existence in England as a result of a betrayal during the Cultural Revolution. The most interesting part of this novel was the account of the years spent growing up in China learning about Chinese medicine. Very little depth to there life and relationships in England.
March 27, 2009
A surprise. A jewel. Read upon returning from Brazil. Acupuncture, reflection, China, the Cultural Revolution, moving on.
February 5, 2011
Quite interesting story of a Chinese acupuncturist who lived through the cultural revolution in China and settled in England
June 17, 2017
"Real strength is in your mind, your head. It's how much you learn, and... how quickly."
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews