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The Language of Light
It’s 1982, and China has just barely begun to open to the West.
When Lu McLean sells all her possessions and leaves Los Angeles to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute, she imagines a life of serious scholarship and an eventual job as a translator at the United Nations. On the night of her arrival, Lu meets the captivating, Ming, a Chinese teacher at the institute. Still recovering from a failed ten-year relationship, Lu has vowed never to give her heart away again.
But as Lu struggles to balance Beijing’s simple beauty with the confounding rigidity of ageless custom, her feelings for Ming deepen. She soon finds herself vacillating between letting herself love Ming and her escalating fears about the certain barriers that would prevent them from ever navigating a life together. Against the backdrop of China’s Spiritual Pollution and a tightening cultural climate, it becomes clear that Ming cannot leave—and Lu cannot stay indefinitely. Events soon force Lu—and Ming—to balance the love that binds them against the social and political forces that threaten to tear them apart.
The Language of Light seamlessly interweaves the expressive and timeless beauty of the Chinese language with the poignant tale of a profound love, inveighing against the oppressive climate of cultural and political change.
When Lu McLean sells all her possessions and leaves Los Angeles to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute, she imagines a life of serious scholarship and an eventual job as a translator at the United Nations. On the night of her arrival, Lu meets the captivating, Ming, a Chinese teacher at the institute. Still recovering from a failed ten-year relationship, Lu has vowed never to give her heart away again.
But as Lu struggles to balance Beijing’s simple beauty with the confounding rigidity of ageless custom, her feelings for Ming deepen. She soon finds herself vacillating between letting herself love Ming and her escalating fears about the certain barriers that would prevent them from ever navigating a life together. Against the backdrop of China’s Spiritual Pollution and a tightening cultural climate, it becomes clear that Ming cannot leave—and Lu cannot stay indefinitely. Events soon force Lu—and Ming—to balance the love that binds them against the social and political forces that threaten to tear them apart.
The Language of Light seamlessly interweaves the expressive and timeless beauty of the Chinese language with the poignant tale of a profound love, inveighing against the oppressive climate of cultural and political change.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Brady
1 bookKathleen Brady is a native Californian, though she spent three years living in Beijing, China. Her career has been varied, including stints in clinical psychology, journalism, healthcare, and various and sundry blue-collar jobs. As an author, she has published several freelance pieces in the Los Angeles Times. One of her short stories earned Honorable Mention in the Glimmer Train Short Story Award for New Writers. Kathleen has studied writing with poet Eloise Klein Healy and award-wining author Alice Bloch. She continues to workshop with novelist, memoirist, poet, and editor, Terry Wolverton.
A graduate of Immaculate Heart College, Kathleen currently lives in Los Angeles. You can follow her on Facebook.
Bywater Books published Kathleen’s debut novel, The Language of Light—a romance set in 1980s Beijing—in February 2022.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 4 spaces.
A graduate of Immaculate Heart College, Kathleen currently lives in Los Angeles. You can follow her on Facebook.
Bywater Books published Kathleen’s debut novel, The Language of Light—a romance set in 1980s Beijing—in February 2022.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 4 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 14, 2022
The Language of Light by Kathleen Brady is a stunningly beautiful love story. It takes place in the early 1980’s which makes it historical fiction. That only added to my delight since this is my favorite genre.
Another bonus of this story is the exotic setting. The tale is about a young woman, Louise (Lu) McLean who journeys from Los Angeles to Beijing, China to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute. There, she has to learn to live in a society and a culture that is very different from her life in the U.S. The China of that day and age was just beginning to open up to the rest of the world. Lu would have felt very alone if not for the friends she found in and around the school…especially Ming, a teacher at the Language Institute. It is Ming who guides Lu through the intricacies of life at the school and the city of Beijing. It is also Ming that Lu falls in love with.
The love story of Lu and Ming is powerfully told against a backdrop of history that increases the beauty of the tale. The book is very realistic. The author herself spent three years in China learning the language as Lu does in the novel which adds another layer of realism.
I greatly enjoyed this poignant, powerful and deeply passionate love story. I recommend it to all who like historical fiction and romance. There will also be a sequel to this novel sometime in 2023. I’m looking forward to reading that novel as well.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
Another bonus of this story is the exotic setting. The tale is about a young woman, Louise (Lu) McLean who journeys from Los Angeles to Beijing, China to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute. There, she has to learn to live in a society and a culture that is very different from her life in the U.S. The China of that day and age was just beginning to open up to the rest of the world. Lu would have felt very alone if not for the friends she found in and around the school…especially Ming, a teacher at the Language Institute. It is Ming who guides Lu through the intricacies of life at the school and the city of Beijing. It is also Ming that Lu falls in love with.
The love story of Lu and Ming is powerfully told against a backdrop of history that increases the beauty of the tale. The book is very realistic. The author herself spent three years in China learning the language as Lu does in the novel which adds another layer of realism.
I greatly enjoyed this poignant, powerful and deeply passionate love story. I recommend it to all who like historical fiction and romance. There will also be a sequel to this novel sometime in 2023. I’m looking forward to reading that novel as well.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
February 25, 2022
Vivid, poetic, romantic.
I was in a writing class with the author and enjoyed every day we read her work. Based on a true story, the book never fails to make me feel like I am there with her in China. It is all so clear and painted so beautifully in vivid color that the images are still with me days later.
I was in a writing class with the author and enjoyed every day we read her work. Based on a true story, the book never fails to make me feel like I am there with her in China. It is all so clear and painted so beautifully in vivid color that the images are still with me days later.
February 22, 2022
‘We can do this now. We can have forever’ - A memorable love story set in China
California author Kathleen Brady earned her degree from Immaculate Heart College and has served in careers of clinical psychology, healthcare, and journalism, having published freelance pieces in the Los Angeles Times. THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT is her debut novel.
Kathleen spent three years living in Beijing, China, adding credibility to her novel. Her story opens as Louise arrives in Beijing to study Mandarin and approaches the Language Institute where she will stay. A significant meeting occurs – ‘A few minutes later a sleepy woman in a blue cotton dress came down the stairs. Her dress had hitched up on the left side and she finished pulling it down as she walked to me and extended her hand. Her braids were frayed and a long sleep wrinkle creased her left cheek. “My name is Ming. I will take you to a room. Anything you touch you must bring with you tomorrow when we give your room, for sanitary.” “You speak English. Oh I am so happy to meet you. My name is Louise.” “I welcome you,” she said, shaking my hand. “You must always try to speak Chinese. I will show you to a room just to sleep. You can eat in the morning at eight o’clock when the dining hall opens.”
The eloquent love story follows the author’s outline – ‘It's 1982, and China has just barely begun to open to the West. When Louise McLean sells all her possessions and leaves Los Angeles to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute, she imagines a life of serious scholarship and an eventual job as a translator at the United Nations. On the night of her arrival, Lu meets the captivating, Ming, a Chinese teacher at the institute. Still recovering from a failed ten-year relationship, Lu has vowed never to give her heart away again. But as Lu struggles to balance Beijing's simple beauty with the confounding rigidity of ageless custom, her feelings for Ming deepen. She soon finds herself vacillating between letting herself love Ming and her escalating fears about the certain barriers that would prevent them from ever navigating a life together. Against the backdrop of China's Spiritual Pollution and a tightening cultural climate, it becomes clear that Ming cannot leave - and Lu cannot stay indefinitely. Events soon force Lu - and Ming - to balance the love that binds them against the social and political forces that threaten to tear them apart.’
Kathleen Brady paints atmosphere well, bringing China into our minds and eyes as she scribes this winning love story. She is obviously an author to watch. Recommended.
California author Kathleen Brady earned her degree from Immaculate Heart College and has served in careers of clinical psychology, healthcare, and journalism, having published freelance pieces in the Los Angeles Times. THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT is her debut novel.
Kathleen spent three years living in Beijing, China, adding credibility to her novel. Her story opens as Louise arrives in Beijing to study Mandarin and approaches the Language Institute where she will stay. A significant meeting occurs – ‘A few minutes later a sleepy woman in a blue cotton dress came down the stairs. Her dress had hitched up on the left side and she finished pulling it down as she walked to me and extended her hand. Her braids were frayed and a long sleep wrinkle creased her left cheek. “My name is Ming. I will take you to a room. Anything you touch you must bring with you tomorrow when we give your room, for sanitary.” “You speak English. Oh I am so happy to meet you. My name is Louise.” “I welcome you,” she said, shaking my hand. “You must always try to speak Chinese. I will show you to a room just to sleep. You can eat in the morning at eight o’clock when the dining hall opens.”
The eloquent love story follows the author’s outline – ‘It's 1982, and China has just barely begun to open to the West. When Louise McLean sells all her possessions and leaves Los Angeles to study Mandarin Chinese at the Beijing Language Institute, she imagines a life of serious scholarship and an eventual job as a translator at the United Nations. On the night of her arrival, Lu meets the captivating, Ming, a Chinese teacher at the institute. Still recovering from a failed ten-year relationship, Lu has vowed never to give her heart away again. But as Lu struggles to balance Beijing's simple beauty with the confounding rigidity of ageless custom, her feelings for Ming deepen. She soon finds herself vacillating between letting herself love Ming and her escalating fears about the certain barriers that would prevent them from ever navigating a life together. Against the backdrop of China's Spiritual Pollution and a tightening cultural climate, it becomes clear that Ming cannot leave - and Lu cannot stay indefinitely. Events soon force Lu - and Ming - to balance the love that binds them against the social and political forces that threaten to tear them apart.’
Kathleen Brady paints atmosphere well, bringing China into our minds and eyes as she scribes this winning love story. She is obviously an author to watch. Recommended.
May 19, 2022
Kathleen Brady has created a wonderful, wonderful little piece of Heaven with her newest book, Language of Light. Set in the politically tumultuous 1980s of China, Ms. Brady’s story touches the five senses with every description whether it involves the heart versus the head, or the reality between the concrete and the abstract. Her graceful writing encouraged me to read leisurely and savor each moment she created in this gentle yet passionate story.
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December 14, 2022I picked this up on a whim. It was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it enough to want to read the sequel. The writing feels stilted at times, and angst-filled uncertainty of young love is not something I enjoy reading about. But, I really enjoyed having a bit of insight into the uncertainty of the politics and culture of 1980s China.
March 25, 2022
Brady completely immerses her readers in 1982 China. She surrounds them with the sights, sounds and smells of a country under the ever watchful eye of an oppressive government. Readers feel the stress and strain of political and cultural rigidity in a place resistant to change. However, Brady wants her readers to experience the beauty of China too. Using simple syntax and straightforward prose, she is able to actuate the natural beauty of China. The strong chokehold that’s placed on its citizens still exists of course, but she manages to emphasize the grace and elegance of its people and their customs. She wraps all of this skillfully around a romance that is captivating, beautiful and brave.
This is a work of fiction, but it is told with a true appreciation for historical and cultural accuracy, giving the story a compelling backdrop. The story world is immersive and gorgeous. Readers are enthralled and enchanted with all that Lu and Ming must do to share and express their love for one another. The romance comes through loudly and boldly, leaving readers wanting more for them and their love. It is truly a remarkable and timeless love story.
Final remarks…
This is Brady’s first published book and it’s very well done. Her second book, Light is to Darkness, is due out in 2023 and will be a sequel/ continuation of The Language of Light. I look forward to seeing where she takes Lu and Ming’s story; it’s engaging and well worth the read, especially if you like early 80’s history.
Strengths…
Credible, cogent prose
Rich and detailed descriptions
Solid character development
Immersive setting
Engrossing narrative
Sweet and tender romance
This is a work of fiction, but it is told with a true appreciation for historical and cultural accuracy, giving the story a compelling backdrop. The story world is immersive and gorgeous. Readers are enthralled and enchanted with all that Lu and Ming must do to share and express their love for one another. The romance comes through loudly and boldly, leaving readers wanting more for them and their love. It is truly a remarkable and timeless love story.
Final remarks…
This is Brady’s first published book and it’s very well done. Her second book, Light is to Darkness, is due out in 2023 and will be a sequel/ continuation of The Language of Light. I look forward to seeing where she takes Lu and Ming’s story; it’s engaging and well worth the read, especially if you like early 80’s history.
Strengths…
Credible, cogent prose
Rich and detailed descriptions
Solid character development
Immersive setting
Engrossing narrative
Sweet and tender romance
January 15, 2023
This was a fantastic book and I loved it so much! I am excited for the sequel to come out this year. The novel follows Lu & Ming, Elizabeth & Guan through 1980s China amidst changing political climates and keeping their respective same-sex relationships afloat. Honestly, such a sweet love story that transcends cultures and international boarders and teaches us to enjoy even the smallest moments with our loved ones, whether good or bad. This book helped me have a different lense on how people that are different from me love in different parts of the world and just puts into perspective the privileges that we have today.
I would highly reccomend this read, even if you are trying to broaden your bookshelf into different genres and different perspectives ❤️
I would highly reccomend this read, even if you are trying to broaden your bookshelf into different genres and different perspectives ❤️
April 10, 2022
Language of Light is a touching and very dear love story that navigates the journey of a relationship from the very first spark. Kathleen Brady crafts the intricacies of true love, miscommunication and all that life inevitably throws at a relationship with a poetic deftness that speaks directly to the soul. Deeply emotional in a strife political setting in China, this story is very compelling. I can’t wait to read the sequel.
March 7, 2022
A love story set in the early opening of China after Mao's reign. The tug between culture and love, tension and beauty, family and change. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews