Dragonfly Eyes

by Cao Wenxuan, Helen Wang (Translator)

A family saga spanning fifty years and three generations, which takes the reader from the France of the Golden Age to poverty-stricken post-war Shanghai via the re-imagined rural China of the Cultural Revolution.
Ah-Mei and her French grandmother, Nainai, share a rare bond. Maybe because Ah-Mei is the only girl grandchild, or maybe because the pair look so alike – and because neither look much like the rest of their Chinese family. Politics and war make 1960s Shanghai a hard place to grow up, especially when racism and bigotry are rife, and everyone is suspicious of Nainai’s European heritage. Ah-Mei and her family suffer much in this time of political upheaval, and when the family silk business falters, they are left with almost nothing. But Ah-Mei and her grandmother are resourceful, and they have one another – and the tenderness they share brings them great strength.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, China, Historical, Family

416 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2021

About the author

Cao Wenxuan, author of the acclaimed Bronze and Sunflower, is the recipient of the 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Award. He has also won several of China’s important awards for children’s literature. A professor of Chinese literature at Peking University, Cao Wenxuan has seen many of his books become bestsellers in China, and his work has been translated into French, Russian, German, Japanese, and Korean.

Reviews

[Kara (bookishskippy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS THE LEAST HYPE BOOK ON GOOD READS 😕, I PERSONALLY LOVED THIS FAIRYTALE!
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Ratings:🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️
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A story which took place over 50 years with 3 different generations bonded together sharing a beautiful saga. It was told more of a fairytale perspective which i did not have any problem with that at all.
Ah mei and her nainai (grandma) shared a beautiful bond ❤ which made me so emotional because they were extremely alike. The story talks about the chinese politics during the 1960s when racism was huge in shanghai. Maintaining the family's silk business was tough to handle and so they were left with nothing.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald]

DNF. Just couldn’t get into the story.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 1 out of 5]

A little girl, Ah Mei, has a close relationship with her grandmother, Nainai. Although her grandmother is French, her grandfather is Chinese, and Ah Mei has grown up in Shanghai. In the 1960s Chinese Cultural Revolution, people in Shanghai begin to look at foreigners differently, and Ah Mei and her grandmother suffer persecution under the Communist regime.

What drew me to this book is that Ah Mei loves to play piano, and I am a pianist, so that aspect of the story was attractive to me. The scenes about the piano are really beautiful and lyrical.

The writing style is slow and thoughtful, taking time to appreciate beauty in nature and art. We get to hear all the little details of Ah Mei's experience growing up in Shanghai, all the beauty and all the ugliness too as the Communists take over.

I enjoyed 90% of the book, and was swept away in the close affection of this lovely family. But then the ending happened.
My reason for a 1-star rating is the horrible ending. A character decides that they have suffered enough under the Communists, and decides to take their own life. This is tragic and horrifying, but the author treats it like a good thing, saying that this character chose to leave "in dignity."
In this book, suicide is stylized as if it were something romantic and noble, when in reality it is cowardly and ugly. I can't believe that this dangerous philosophic view-point is included in a children's book! This is a dangerous idea to plant in someone's mind, and I'm shocked that the publisher allowed it. It's disgusting and sick. Suicide is never the answer, no matter what the circumstances may be.

I'm very disappointed in this book.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions expressed here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Jacqueline Yang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book is no doubt emotional and filled with beautiful scenarios, it's impossible not to point out the bad timeline and uninteresting character development. Throughout the majority of the book, Ah Mei's age (everyone's age to be honest) is not specified and time doesn't run in one smooth line. Stories jump from before Ah Mei's birth to when she was twelve to when she was a toddler in a matter of pages. Not mentioning her age made it hard to explain Ah Mei's actions and though processes as well as understanding their reality.
I found Ah Mei's character boring and unrealistic. She was somehow extraordinarily beautiful, smart, benevolent and empathetic, basically having no flaws whatsoever. She was described as being every family member's favourite child and always got her way. She really did have everyone wrapped around her little finger, just like Nainai (in the book) always joked about. When the author finally settled into a linear timeline, Ah Mei didn't mature at all despite turning fifteen by the end of the book. She still acted like a child, expecting people to care for her when she cried.
Since the book is set during a very hard time in China, there were a lot of sad and scary moments for the family, especially Nainai. Immature and childish Ah Mei somehow achieved psychic powers by the time she was six. She "seemed" to understand the mood and circumstances in every situation and managed to save Nainai from her depressive episodes. How could a six year old understand the communist movement and financial crisis?
Despite all these issues, I thought the way Cao WenXuan brought the history to life and added emotions to it was amazing.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A saga filled with resilience and love that spans over 50 years and takes in 3 generations of a family this novel is a treasure. The reader is lulled into the heart of a family home and kept there, through the prosperous times of success in the silk industry to the stark day-to-day realities of social upheaval. The relationship between Ah Mei and her grandmother, in and of itself, brings a gentle strength to the tale as we journey through changing times. Their characters sparkle throughout, keeping that sense of grace and dignity that the world rejects with alarming speed. The story speaks with a strong, true voice that seems both fairytale and real world in the same breath. The writing brings all the texture, nuance and reality of the Chinese cultural revolution and displays how the world around this one family; people they have known for decades get caught up in the harsh, suspicious sentiments of this radical change. Incredibly moving, unsettling and comforting at the same time, this is a novel for us all. Quiet, lyrical and so very powerful. Honestly, I'm still weeping...tears of joy and sorrow.

[Jahnavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is full. This book so calming and heartwarming. I became attached to all the main characters Nainai, Yeye and Ah Mei. The bond between Nainai, Ah Mei's grandmother and Ah Mei touched my heart. This book teaches children the importance of family bond. Wherever you are now your hometown always holds a special place in your heart is one of the great messages this book has to offer.

This book is set in Shanghai and revolves around the life of Nainai ( Océane), Yeye ( Du Meixi) and there family which consist of their six children and grandchildren. Ah Mei is Nainai's favourite granddaughter and is proud to look like her. But many in their town are suspicious of their european heritage and looks. Life is not easy when you stand out. This book is outstanding and portrays life with happiness, melancholy and hope.

■ I reccomend this book to anyone searching for a good book to read.

[Masa · Rating 4 out of 5]

At bits I found it a bit slow, but the writing was beautiful. I adored the description and the relationship between Ah Mei and Nainai was so adorable. The ending physically broke me- I cried for about half an hour haha! oOverall I give it 4/5 stars just for the fact at some bits it was a bit slow :) Great book, moving and beautiful writing.

[Meg Chia (bibliophilogy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW HERE!

Three-word description : family, home, generations
My rating : 4 / 5 stars

This is quite an interesting read to me because this is one of my first translated work reads! I have heard of the author and his books in Chinese but I never picked them up so obviously this is such an interesting recommendation (thank you Pansing :D) and I definitely would pick up either his original works or translated works more in the future! Also, can we talk about the beautiful cover! Overall, I think the translated version is still worth a read and it has the zest of authenticity so I definitely recommend this one!

Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this a lot! This is not a light read as it discusses quite some serious issues like racism and also economic breakdown and war, but it has its fair share of heartfelt elements that balances out the heavy topics mentioned! I enjoyed my time just going through the book slowly and immersing myself into the story and I think anyone would enjoy this regardless of age! This book truly feels timeless and I think I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already but do pick this book up!

[beth✧･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so underrated. I enjoyed it so much!! The story concept was unlike anything I've read before, it was really interesting to read a book set at this time in China. I don't understand why hardly anyone has read this book its so worth it, READ ITTTTTTTTT <3

[Amber Wessies Owrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slower book with the plot focusing on the relationship between the grandmother and granddaughter. There is not much action and is a fairly flat plot line. It reminded me of The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. There is lots of description of people and places that make the book a bit slower to get through.
It was interesting to see how a French woman who married a Shangianese man was treated during the cultural revolution as well as how the grandchildren are treated depending on how French they look.
It is a sweet story about how close the grandmother and granddaughter were, but I wasn't entirely sure the book was happening chronologically.

[Hillary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award-winning Chinese author, Cao Wenxuan, poignantly tells the tale of a fictional family in the period of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. The story of Ah-Mei and her much beloved French grandmother, Océane, will remind readers of how quickly in life things can change. As the family faces startling changes in society head-on that affect them first financially, as they struggle to afford things they once found essential, and later socially, as Ah Mei and her cousin become ostracized from the school in which they were once popular. Océane herself falls under suspicion by both neighbors and strangers for being foreign. Nevertheless, the family works hard to hold onto the things that symbolize who they are- the piano, the perfume, and the special dragonfly eyes gifted to Océane by her father-in-law who was delighted to welcome a Frenchwoman into the family. We are reminded of the resilience of humanity and family even during the most trying of times. This 2023 Batchelder Honor Book is one that older children and young adults will both enjoy and learn from.

[Lots_to_do · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in one sitting...with a couple of tears

rtc (review to come)

[Shannon Bunney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, I could see the colours! A heartfelt nod to the importance of family, perseverance in the time of unrest and being yourself always. I think I was teary eyed most of the book. Wonderful.

[E-Lynn Kok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used up all my emotions on this book, I'm emotionally spent over the love I have grown for the characters. I am so fond of nainai 奶奶 (grandma) and yeye 爷爷 (grandpa) and Ah Mei 啊妹， who are the main characters of the story. Whenever something good happens to the family , I bath in the cheerful atmosphere. If something terrible and inhuman happens to the gentle grandparents, I sob. I sob and my heart clenched in pain for their unjust suffering.

The novel starts with a tale (one of her many tales) from nainai to her youngest grandchild and only granddaughter, the apple of her eye - Ah Mei. When I first read it, the writing style wasn't very appealing to me. After a few chapters in,I got used to it and it felt like a grandmother recounting her adventures to her grandchild, it was quite endearing :) Descriptive writing slaps differently when it is your grandparent describing every detail of their life -from worrying about money to simple pleasures to daily chores.

A Chapter that made me cry at 3AM was Chapter 11, The Piano. I truly felt the most of the grandmother and granddaughter love in this chapter, it was so warm and lovely like drinking hot tea during a cold storm. This book is so wholesome and soulful. It is a story of the hardship a family endures and preserves through love for one another. It is the Chinese blood of my culture and strength for 吃苦 Eat Bitter; eat oppression (bitter). 先苦后甜. Bitter first, later sweet; endure hardship first and better days will come. I've shed so many tears for this book. Even though it is a middle grade book, the aptitude of emotions that come with it is ageless.

It is strange how #StopAsianHate resonates with this book as though it is a parallel world. This novel is set in France and China from the 1920s to the late 1960s. When war erupts in 1930s , 1940s and 1960s, the family is put through a series of never ending trials of racism against their mixed French and Shanghainess culture despite the fact that they ARE Chinese.

Themes: racism, assault, coming of age tale, family love.
Warnings: Feelings pain and hurt for fictional characters that could be parallel to non-ficiton people in our lives.

谢谢，Thank you to @definitelybooks for sending me a review copy. 💜

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dragonfly Eyes" is translated by Helen Wang, from the Chinese original penned by Cao Wenxuan. Beautiful depictions of Marseilles and Shanghai fill the book.

"The wind was blowing off the Huangpu River, and the wutong trees lining both sides of the road were beginning to drop their leaves. The children walked behind Nainai, this colourful little procession breaking through the bleakness and chill of the Shanghai autumn."

Although it spans two countries and some 50 years, it brings the reader most closely to the horrors of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (文化大革命) in the second half of the book.

As always when I read a book translated from Chinese, I find myself guessing what certain phrases were in the original, and many times picturesque idioms are directly translated such that they are immediately recognisable.

Although (or perhaps because it is) penned by a Chinese writer, it portrays the Cultural Revolution negatively, mainly from the lens of the protagonists' bicultural family. Whilst it was indeed a violent and besmirched time in China's history, I thought the book would have benefitted from a more balanced portrayal of where the brainwashed youth were coming from, and how their own families' past suffering had caused the allure of Communist ideology to take root and lead to such inhumane consequences amongst the literati and business class.

Nonetheless, it is a great book for children to get unflinchingly acquainted with the brutal aspects of the Cultural Revolution.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, I loved it, even though the ending was a bit too sad for me personally. Gorgeous writing, just perfect. I was moved to tears several times. I recommend for age 12 and up, and even if you are a grownup who wants to read a lovely historical fiction, grab this from your local library! I would compare it to The Sound of Music or Fiddler on the Roof, in that for the first half it’s a wonderful romp with a loving family, but in the second half the family is tragically affected by political strife.

I’m going to get my kids to listen to the audiobook while reading the book so they can hear the pronunciations of the French and Chinese words. Also, I’ll probably need to explain some of it. I wish the political turmoil was explained a little better.

One last thought… The family members try to shield each other from many different sadnesses as the story goes on, and MANY times they tell each other not to cry and pretend to be fine. If you give this book to your child, talk about how suppressing emotions isn’t healthy, it’s okay to cry when we’re sad, and that we parents don’t need our children to protect us—they can (and should) share anything with us that is troubling them. In fact, now that I think about it, the family’s refusal to burden each other ultimately led to the sad ending… Definitely something I’ll discuss with my kids!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐

This novel is too underrated - it's slow but deeply meaningful, definitely worth the time. It combines many elements that I really appreciated: teaching some history, talking about the importance of family, discussing cultural aspects.

I liked this a lot - it's written in a beautiful, metaphorical style, and it contours so artistically the image of a sad story. It focuses one by one on the elements that were important to the family and that they lose one by one, being left with barely anything but their love for each other. The ending is tragic and, while it is not supposed to set and example for the readers, it preserves the same tone as the rest of the story.

Lastly, this book is full of beautiful quotes. While I would like to share some of them here, I feel that they might showcase too much of the story itself and be more relevant in the context. Therefore, you should read the book and discover them by yourself. 😊

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, emotional story about a family and their bonds with each other. I absolutely loved this book. The writing is phenomenal, and the characters stole my heart. I honestly shed a few tears during the reading, and that rarely happens. The only caveat I have to give is that the book is not obviously marked in the order of events. The best I can say is read this book as though a family member is telling you stories about the same person/people, and that's how this book feels: the actual events the chapters are based on are, seemingly, in order, but the ages of the characters go up and down in each section. Personally, I didn't mind this, and I felt it only added to the charm of the novel.

I will definitely read this multiple times, and recommend it to every friend.

[Anastasia Tuckness]

same author as Bronze and Sunflower; 1960s Shanghai, family epic

[Global Literature in Libraries Initiative]

Oxymoronic as it may sound, there is an exciting comfort in picking up a book by a beloved author—or, as in Dragonfly Eyes, a beloved, award-winning writer-translator team. What joys, worlds, and experiences lurk within its pages? Will anticipation be tempered by disappointment?

In the case of Dragofly Eyes, Cao Wenxuan’s new YA historical novel, the answers are: myriad and absolutely not!

---------------------------------
To read the full review, visit our website!
https://glli-us.org/2021/02/17/worldk...

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Cao Wenxuan's Bronze and Sunflower and so was eager to read Dragonfly Eyes. And I wasn't disappointed. This is a heartfelt family saga giving glimpses into life in China and especially Shanghai during the middle of the 20th Century. Although this is being published as a middle grade novel, with so much of the story focused on Ah-Mei's French grandmother and how she fell in love and moved to Shanghai, I think YA and adult readers might appreciate it more. Highly recommended for those readers who appreciate deep, slowly developing family stories.

[Avery Fischer Udagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as the world seems to fall to ruin, there is still a way to live with grace and love and hope.

This novel by Cao Wenxuan, supply translated by Helen Wang, is a marvel that will be of special interest to biracial children.

[bram · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favourite book! (so far)

[Hstwdthllczy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔

A tale of 3 generations, spanning around 50 years, all about one great family.

[Sabrina MacKerell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan is translated by Helen Wang for English audiences. Dragonfly Eyes is a 2023 Batchelder Honor Book, which is the resource I used to identify this book. I read this as an e-book on Libby. It is a chapter book with no pictures.
This story shares the journey and bond of Ah-Mei, a young Chinese girl, and Nainai, her French grandmother, living through cultural events of the 1960s in Shanghai, China. Nainai was born in France and met her husband, a Chinese man named Yeye, there. Together, they move back to Shanghai and have a booming silk business. They raise four children and six grandchildren, but Nainai’s favorite grandchild is Ah-Mei. This is no secret and Nainai outwardly favors their bond. The two look and act very similarly, which is why Nainai believes they have such a strong connection. Other characters even ponder if the two had met in a past life because their connection seems to surpass grandmother and granddaughter.
When Ah-Mei was young, poverty struck Shanghai post-world war in the 1960s. War first with Japan and then a civil war. The family is now struggling to make ends-meet and they lose their silk business. However, the family’s love and appreciation for life gives them the strength to get by. We see family members constantly going to the pawn shop to sell old antiques and precious valuables to buy food and gifts for others. The story then continues into a time of political upheaval, where communism and racism bleed into all aspects of life. With French-blood in their lineage, the family faces new challenges and finds solace with one another. Yet, gangs, raids, and family separation become their new reality.
The author utilized long, descriptive sentences. These sentences often grasped at the idea of the simplicity and beauty of life in the small moments. Some sentences were run-ons and often contained lots of commas. The writing was slow and at times it was difficult to engage with the story. However, I do think that this is part of the writer’s intended style to showcase that these are the things that truly matter when life rapidly becomes tumultuous with change. I would also be curious to know if this style of writing is a traditional part of Chinese storytelling.
The timeline throughout the book was also confusing. The story spans 50 years but it was often unclear what year it was and how old Ah-Mei is. The timeline would jump between years quickly and without much warning to the reader. This sometimes would have 2-3 times in one chapter. The timeline was rarely linear, until the end of the book. If reading this for educational purposes, I think it would be necessary to have students map out the timeline within each chapter in order to understand how Ah-Mei reacts based on her age and the cultural and historical events that are taking place and are crucial to the plot.
Similarly, there was a lack of character development, especially with the protagonist Ah-Mei. We never really see her grow up and change. She always had her family, especially her grandmother, wrapped around her finger. The story would have had more substance if Ah-Mei was also changing and growing up with the historical events that spanned across the book.
Cao Wenxuan intertwines two cultures - French and Chinese in an effortless way. As a Chinese man himself who lived in Shanghai during the 1960s as a young teenager, he speaks from first-hand experience at what happened in the city as communism and political riots began. The cultured ethnicity that is weaved throughout the story is a strength. This novel is eye-opening to the circumstances that occurred in China from the 1920s to the 1960s.
This novel brings up some intense topics, such as communism, bigotry, and assault. Therefore, this novel is well-suited for high school students. The book is suggested for 9-12 year olds, but I think that the topics and themes included are too intense and they might misunderstand a large portion of the plot, as the Cultural Revolution plays a key part in understanding the story.
In the classroom, I would use this book to accompany discussions on communism, nonlinear books, and themes of familial bonds, change, fate, and hope.

[Hannah (Hannah, Fully) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A copy of the book was provided for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore does not affect the opinion or content of the review.

Dragonfly Eyes is probably my most underrated read of this year and perhaps the most surprising as well (to an extent) because I'm generally not the biggest fan of non-linear books without a plot. But I've found that I love books that deal with family or are told over the course of a few generations (if The Green Bone Saga is any indication), and family is definitely one of the prevailing and core themes in this book, along with Ah-Mei's bond with her Nainai (paternal grandmother).

This was one that originally started as a bit disorienting for me, mostly because I typically struggle with non-linear books, and it's been a very long time since I've read a book that pretty much has no overarching plot. Cao Wenxuan jumps us around a lot after setting up the story when Ah-Mei's Nainai and Yeye (paternal grandfather) fall in love and start a life in France, but eventually move their family to Shanghai for the family's silk business. One moment we see Ah-Mei at a young age, but the next, she's in middle school. Then we're back in France when Nainai is younger and about to depart for China with Yeye and their family.

All of that probably sounds like a mess to read, but it's far from that, though it might not be a style some would like.

Personally, I found myself absorbed in the story; each of the chapters honestly felt like its own individual, quick-to-read story, kind of like snapshots into Nainai's and Ah-Mei's memories. It kind of gives off that feeling of when you're cozied up in bed in the dim flickering flames of the candlelight late with your grandparents in the chair beside you, and they're telling you stories from their past before sleep shuffles you off. I found myself slowing down and taking my time with each chapter of Dragonfly Eyes, and while this is typically what happens when I'm not vibing along with a book, it was the exact opposite in this case. I was absolutely there for the feel-good vibes.

With that said, it's no surprise that I enjoyed Cao's descriptive and flowy writing a lot. I think what stuck out the most to me were the tiniest details put into some of the moments, like Nainai's and Yeye's love for each other over the years (they're the cutest), the family's support for Nainai and Yeye, and of course, Ah-Mei's and Nainai's close relationship throughout given that it's a core part of the book. Their close relationship comes from their resemblance to each other, and I just love them so much.

But Dragonfly Eyes isn't all sunshine and rainbows, though, because it does go into some serious topics like bigotry and racism. There are cute and impactful moments, but there are also bittersweet moments that'll make you emotional and moments where we see how events (especially the Cultural Revolution) deeply impact the family as a whole and the characters individually. All in all, I had a good time with the novel.

If you're not a fan of non-linear novels where you're not entirely sure which age or year the story could be set in, Dragonfly Eyes is probably not for you. But if you're looking for something that makes you feel like you're being told stories at a campfire, bed, or anywhere you enjoy a short story that leaves you wanting to come back for another story, and you don't care about the jumps, then I would definitely give Cao Wenxuan's novel a try.

This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.

[Jonathan Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read both of Cao Wenxuan’s books that are readily available in English in Helen Wang’s translation: “Bronze and Sunflower” and now “Dragonfly Eyes”. “Bronze and Sunflower” is one of the best books I read with my child (a stand-out book, together with the Famous Five, “Watership Down”, and “Lord of the Rings”). He writes poetically and beautifully. I am a translator of literature, and I can say that the translation by Helen Wang is excellent. It takes a book or two to get into an author’s style. Helen Wang has achieved this, she is in symbiosis with the author, so to speak. Together, they produce a controlled and elegant narrative. The story is about a mixed couple, he is Chinese and she is French, and their family, set against the background of the Cultural Revolution in China. But it is also very personal. Not once did I feel that the translation was stilted, that the translator hadn’t understood something. It flowed like the Huangpu River. When there were things that a Western reader may not have understood, the translator explained them clearly: “It was one of those winding lanes that twists this way and that, like the character gong (an archer’s bow), where you cannot see straight from one end to the other” (the character is included in Chinese, so you can see how it twists and turns), “they were women of a similar age, and got on well, so she called her ah-sao, Liu ah-sao”. And she had some wonderful turns of phrase: “people had become angry, adamant, awkward”, “the trundling rumbling of the trams”, “crooning their weary songs”. All in all, a moving and worthwhile read. Thank you to the author, the translator, and the publisher, Walker Books, for making such literature available. I look forward to the next title coming out.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy, depression, and anger are all the emotions Ah Mei’s family feels in Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan. Ah Mei, a girl who deeply loves her Nainai, which means “grandma” in Chinese, and lives through many strong emotions and hard times, always brings laughter and joy to any situation. These experiences make the story magical and full of life, joyous and hurtful all in one.

Nainai is a grandmother of many children, but her whole family knows Ah Mei is her favorite one. They are mirrors of each other, not just because of the way they look, but of how they act, socialize and dress. They also do everything together, from going to the bakery and buying a tasty treat or walking in the rain, and holding their astonishing umbrellas. In Ah Mei’s early years, everything is just the way it should be. She listens to Nainai’s stories and their bond is inseparable. But when money starts running low and the family is experiencing hardship, will Ah Mei and her beloved Nainai be able to bring back life as it used to be?

Dragonfly Eyes is a great fit for 9-12 year-olds because the book helps the reader learn important life lessons and values. Each situation the main character goes through could be a reflection of the reader’s feelings. Also, it includes many exciting new words that children can add to their vocabulary repertoire, such as quizzically and quota. I would not recommend it to younger children because of the complex language and themes. I hope you read it in your spare time and can’t wait for the author to release the sequel!

Review by Maia S., 10, Metropolitan Washington Mensa

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully told story about the Du family. It ebbs and flows like a river. It tells its tale through the changes in the seasons of life, always showing the beauty of love and family, despite the circumstances.

I was transported to a time and country that I knew so little about previously. I connected with this family. My heart was caught up in the beautiful start as the Chinese father and the French mother fell in love and had a lovely family. I felt sorrow for the loss of their peace due to the ignorance of people in Shanghai, who in their furor to rise up against exploitation, lost sight of all reason and human kindness. I felt sympathy for those who saw these things and, even though they yearned to stop the senseless violence, found themselves powerless. This all is narrated in a gentle and understanding voice, not seeking anger or revenge, just conveying sadness and loss.

I was further moved to think about the losses that ALL people suffer during revolutionary changes in politics. This was illustrated so well by the Du family as they experienced terrible injustices from the mobs that formed as a result of the cultural revolution in Shanghai.

Now finished with this book, I am left with the poignant, bitter-sweet feeling of loss in a story well-told that made a connection with my heart. I will think about this story for a long time.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful rendering of events in the time period and one family's tribulations caused by prejudice and political unrest. Borders are not confined to countries, cities, states. There are real borders/boundaries that separate people, causing divisions in families. This story gives the reader a vivid picture of how those boundaries of race, country, peoples can create turmoil, distress, and danger. Young Ah Mei, granddaughter of French Nainai and Chinese Du Meixi, grows up in a loving and international family, but the politics of the world she is growing up in, ever changing, creates difficulties for her and those she loves. The story also provides everyone with a wonderful example of how we are all human, with the same needs, feelings, and concerns. Bigotry continues, hatred continues - but stories such as Dragonfly Eyes shows that it doesn't have to be so - love is a universal necessity.