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The Light of Eternal Spring
Angel Di Zhang's intensely cinematic debut novel travels from the streets of New York City to northeast China, on the trail of a young photographer who needs to reconcile with her dead mother before she is able to see the world again.
Amy Hilton, born Wu Aimee in the tiny Chinese village of Eternal Spring, has been living and working as a photographer in New York City for so long she's started to dream in English. When in the fall of 1999 she receives a letter from her sister, written in her birth tongue of Manchu, she needs to take it to a Chinatown produce vendor to get it translated. And so it is this stranger who tells Amy that her mother has died of a broken heart.
Amy blames herself. How could she not? Her mother has never recovered from her oldest daughter leaving her, first for school, then to pursue her art, and finally to marry a white man. Vowing to be there for her mother in death as she hasn't been in life, she books a flight to China. Haunted by the folk stories her mother told her about a shaman's journey to the underworld to retrieve her child, Amy undertakes a quest that strips away all the elements of her new identity, leaving her ready to make amends. But when she finally reunites with her family, things are far different than she remembers, and her loved ones are less than thrilled to welcome their prodigal daughter home.
Interwoven with indelible scenes from Amy's childhood, The Light of Eternal Spring is a tenderly told story about leaving home and returning again, and about forgetting where you come from until you can't forget any longer. Blending playful magical realism with the family balancing acts all immigrants and artists know so well, Angel Di Zhang creates a nuanced portrait of family lost and family found, of the transformative power of art, and of the need to transform yourself in order to make art that's true.
“A luminous treasure of a novel you can’t help but fall into. Di Zhang’s compulsively readable story is at once an exploration of the urgency of artistry and a love letter to immigrant families that will leave you with an enduring sense of hope. I read this book in one sitting, ugly cried and called my mom.” —Vaishnavi Patel, author of Kaikeyi
“This book is magical. Lyrical and surprising, it swept me up and left me gasping in the best of ways. It’s an original and beautiful take on the power of home and family and the pull of the past. Di Zhang has created a modern world flush with enchantment, but the connection between mothers and daughters may be the strongest magic of all. I was completely enthralled.” — Gin Phillips, author of Fierce Kingdom
“The Light of Eternal Spring is a gorgeously lyrical book about the inherent magic in art and family. Each sentence reads as its own poem, its own snapshot of a distinct and enlightening emotional truth. This book is a beautiful tribute to the love between a mother and daughter, and the power in coming home.” —Lynn Steger Strong, author of Flight and Want
Amy Hilton, born Wu Aimee in the tiny Chinese village of Eternal Spring, has been living and working as a photographer in New York City for so long she's started to dream in English. When in the fall of 1999 she receives a letter from her sister, written in her birth tongue of Manchu, she needs to take it to a Chinatown produce vendor to get it translated. And so it is this stranger who tells Amy that her mother has died of a broken heart.
Amy blames herself. How could she not? Her mother has never recovered from her oldest daughter leaving her, first for school, then to pursue her art, and finally to marry a white man. Vowing to be there for her mother in death as she hasn't been in life, she books a flight to China. Haunted by the folk stories her mother told her about a shaman's journey to the underworld to retrieve her child, Amy undertakes a quest that strips away all the elements of her new identity, leaving her ready to make amends. But when she finally reunites with her family, things are far different than she remembers, and her loved ones are less than thrilled to welcome their prodigal daughter home.
Interwoven with indelible scenes from Amy's childhood, The Light of Eternal Spring is a tenderly told story about leaving home and returning again, and about forgetting where you come from until you can't forget any longer. Blending playful magical realism with the family balancing acts all immigrants and artists know so well, Angel Di Zhang creates a nuanced portrait of family lost and family found, of the transformative power of art, and of the need to transform yourself in order to make art that's true.
“A luminous treasure of a novel you can’t help but fall into. Di Zhang’s compulsively readable story is at once an exploration of the urgency of artistry and a love letter to immigrant families that will leave you with an enduring sense of hope. I read this book in one sitting, ugly cried and called my mom.” —Vaishnavi Patel, author of Kaikeyi
“This book is magical. Lyrical and surprising, it swept me up and left me gasping in the best of ways. It’s an original and beautiful take on the power of home and family and the pull of the past. Di Zhang has created a modern world flush with enchantment, but the connection between mothers and daughters may be the strongest magic of all. I was completely enthralled.” — Gin Phillips, author of Fierce Kingdom
“The Light of Eternal Spring is a gorgeously lyrical book about the inherent magic in art and family. Each sentence reads as its own poem, its own snapshot of a distinct and enlightening emotional truth. This book is a beautiful tribute to the love between a mother and daughter, and the power in coming home.” —Lynn Steger Strong, author of Flight and Want
233 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
12 people are currently reading
14376 people want to read
About the author
Angel Di Zhang
1 book90 followersAngel is a Canadian author. A painter and an internationally exhibited fine art photographer, she lives in a secret garden near Toronto. Order her debut novel THE LIGHT OF ETERNAL SPRING here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 8, 2023
A beautiful story that explores grief, self discovery, acceptance, family and love. This book was definitely not what I’d expected. Had I not received a copy of this book from the publisher, I’m not quite sure if I would have read this. Why? Probably because I’m not quite familiar with the literary fiction genre yet and tend to stay within my comfort zone, but I’m so grateful that I got to read this book.
We got POVs from both the present and the past, getting to learn more about Aimee’s life. I also got to learn SO much about Manchu beliefs and rituals, which was obvious one of my favourite parts of this book.
I strongly recommend this book. It was beautifully written - the prose, its meanings, everything.
We got POVs from both the present and the past, getting to learn more about Aimee’s life. I also got to learn SO much about Manchu beliefs and rituals, which was obvious one of my favourite parts of this book.
I strongly recommend this book. It was beautifully written - the prose, its meanings, everything.
March 22, 2023
A lovely debut about the journey of Wu Aimee back to her home village in NE China on receipt of news of her mother's passing. As I had read the blurb too fast, I thought that Aimee would have to go through the underworld to reconcile with her mother. The Light of Eternal Spring is a reflective lyrical take on the role of art in storytelling. As Aimee is a photographer, she perceives the world through framing and light. Some of the images described such as ladybugs blanketing a wall and lanterns alight at the Mid-Autumn Festival are just gorgeous.
The stories of Manchu shamanism, folktales, mythology, culture and herbalism imparted by Aimee's mother when she was young form a guiding framework for her internal journey. The relationship was fraught then estranged after Aimee left the village to go to Harbin to study then onward to New York. Aimee or Amy has established for herself a life in New York. As with many diaspora, she feels her selves being split and this visit home to her family is not only for reconciliation with them.
Although knowing the village could be fictional, I couldn't help being inquisitive about Eternal Spring (would it be yongchun or yongchuan?) With the clues in the text, I gather it's in the province of Heilongjiang in the Dongbei region, situated at the trifecta border of China, North Korea and Russia. Aimee's disorientation at finding the village turn from a few hundred population to a town of two hundred thousand after an oil boom is understandable. Reconnecting with her Manchu heritage and the redemptive love of family in Eternal Spring brings about an unexpected chrysalis transformation.
Thanks to Random House Canada and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Light of Eternal Spring's publication date is 25th April 2023.
The stories of Manchu shamanism, folktales, mythology, culture and herbalism imparted by Aimee's mother when she was young form a guiding framework for her internal journey. The relationship was fraught then estranged after Aimee left the village to go to Harbin to study then onward to New York. Aimee or Amy has established for herself a life in New York. As with many diaspora, she feels her selves being split and this visit home to her family is not only for reconciliation with them.
Although knowing the village could be fictional, I couldn't help being inquisitive about Eternal Spring (would it be yongchun or yongchuan?) With the clues in the text, I gather it's in the province of Heilongjiang in the Dongbei region, situated at the trifecta border of China, North Korea and Russia. Aimee's disorientation at finding the village turn from a few hundred population to a town of two hundred thousand after an oil boom is understandable. Reconnecting with her Manchu heritage and the redemptive love of family in Eternal Spring brings about an unexpected chrysalis transformation.
Thanks to Random House Canada and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Light of Eternal Spring's publication date is 25th April 2023.
August 12, 2023
Don't hate me. Everyone else seemed to love this book. It was nice, full of folk stories and strong feelings, but for some reason, I couldn't connect to any of the characters... Amy /Aimee tells more than shows... and still, when she does show, I'm like *shrugs*. I know Zhang points out more than once it's a part of the culture to accept or understand but not feel you need to dwell/say it/explain it... but that doesn't translate well to the reader who wants to know why/ how.
May 12, 2023
This was a beautifully moving mother-daughter story that follows a NYC photographer Amy/Aimee as she returns with her husband to the small village in China where she was born after learning of her mother's death.
Alternating in timelines we get to see glimpses of Aimee's childhood living with her mother in the little village of Eternal Spring while also getting a sense of the same place in the present as Aimee reconnects with family and discovers secrets about her mother's life she didn't know.
An interesting twist to the story has Aimee going temporarily blind while she's in China too, having to learn how to navigate life without sight and really rely on those around her for assistance. The surprise disability rep in the book was a bonus for me!
Great on audio read by the author, this was a joy to read! Thanks to Librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Alternating in timelines we get to see glimpses of Aimee's childhood living with her mother in the little village of Eternal Spring while also getting a sense of the same place in the present as Aimee reconnects with family and discovers secrets about her mother's life she didn't know.
An interesting twist to the story has Aimee going temporarily blind while she's in China too, having to learn how to navigate life without sight and really rely on those around her for assistance. The surprise disability rep in the book was a bonus for me!
Great on audio read by the author, this was a joy to read! Thanks to Librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!
January 20, 2023
This is one of the best literary debuts I’ve ever read. The first page grabs you instantly and you can’t help but binge it all in one day. This is the story of divides, of immigration, of heart breaking mother and daughter relationships. I can’t say too much without spoilers but this story will crush your heart and also put it back together. Also again I can’t say what it is but there’s a magical twist in the story that’s really smartly done and heightens the stakes. Just know that I couldn’t put this done. A masterful debut, Angel’s writing is smooth like butter. This story is amazing for literary fans, a close comp is PACHINKO.
April 30, 2023
Magical realism intersects with traditional Manchu storytelling to illuminate the lives of a family, centered on a mother and daughter whose estrangement acts as the primary emotional arc of this multi-generational narrative, of longing, connection and the drive to make art that will last.
Vividly detailed and engrossing, the descriptions come off the page and stay forever in memory, as if you had experienced them first hand.
Vividly detailed and engrossing, the descriptions come off the page and stay forever in memory, as if you had experienced them first hand.
May 10, 2023
This book is amazingly skillful debut, it could be a great Mother’s Day gift.
It tells a story of estranged daughter coming back to her roots after her mother’s death.
My description is definitely simplified. It is not only what is happening, but how the story was told that makes if most remarkable.
I also was very glad to learn about different language people speak in China, besides the Mandarin and Cantonese, had to make a small research about it which was exciting.
It tells a story of estranged daughter coming back to her roots after her mother’s death.
My description is definitely simplified. It is not only what is happening, but how the story was told that makes if most remarkable.
I also was very glad to learn about different language people speak in China, besides the Mandarin and Cantonese, had to make a small research about it which was exciting.
April 30, 2023
4.5!
A quietly beautiful and brilliant debut novel from a must-watch voice of CanLit. This book was so touching, and every time I opened it I felt like I was just falling into it, much like Aimee falls into photos. If you’re looking for something that tugs at your heartstrings, this is it!
A quietly beautiful and brilliant debut novel from a must-watch voice of CanLit. This book was so touching, and every time I opened it I felt like I was just falling into it, much like Aimee falls into photos. If you’re looking for something that tugs at your heartstrings, this is it!
February 25, 2024
A wonderful debut for Canadian literature.
This book grabbed me right away. Amy receives word that her estranged mother has passed away. Living in New York since she was 18, Amy returns to her homeland of Northeastern China. The Chinese stories and the lessons throughout the book speak of forgiveness and redemption.
“For me, it was not only possible but necessary to have two homes. To be where I needed a place I came from and the place I chose.”
Highly recommend. 4.5 stars.
This book grabbed me right away. Amy receives word that her estranged mother has passed away. Living in New York since she was 18, Amy returns to her homeland of Northeastern China. The Chinese stories and the lessons throughout the book speak of forgiveness and redemption.
“For me, it was not only possible but necessary to have two homes. To be where I needed a place I came from and the place I chose.”
Highly recommend. 4.5 stars.
May 30, 2023
My last five star read was THE LIGHT OF ETERNAL SPRING by Angel Di Zhang! I finished reading this book over the weekend and I loved it! What a remarkable debut! This novel is about Aimee, a photographer living in New York, who returns to her hometown in China after her mother passes away. I loved the storytelling and the focus on family. I loved the large age range of the characters as we meet Aimee’s grandparents and niece. I loved the touches of magical realism that mirrored the fairytale like stories that Aimee’s mother told her when she was young. The writing has that dreamy quality that envelopes Aimee’s grief in hope and light. This book is one of my faves of 2023!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted review copy!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted review copy!
May 25, 2023
one of the best debut (or just book in general) I've read.
i love this book with my whole heart.
review to come...
---
if the feelings and emotions that i experienced while reading this book were vintage clothes hung in a thrift store, i would scour every rack, searching for the perfect pieces to rekindle those same feelings and memories
"The Light of Eternal Spring" takes us on a journey from the busy streets of nyc to a small village called "eternal spring" in northeast China. We follow Aimee, a photographer who receives devastating news about her mother's death. Feeling responsible for her mother's broken heart (literally), she travels back to her roots to make amends. As Aimee reconnects with her family, the book also beautifully explores themes of mother/daughter and sisterhood, adding another layer of depth to this already captivating story."
This debut novel reads like a fever dream, a well-written tale of family, loss, longing, and connection where magical realism meets traditional Manchu storytelling. The blending of East and West and the struggle to balance two cultures and identities are something I know all too well. Additionally, this book offers a refreshing portrayal of North American Asian/Chinese literature, featuring non-Cantonese cultures and lesser-known areas. This book felt very personal to me on many dimensions, and no words can truly describe the feelings and emotions I felt.
Also, can we talk about how stunning the cover of the book is! The design resembles a film strip, with some of the letters partially blurred, as if captured by an unfocused camera.
Some quotes:
“But i was more interested in permanence, in words that could be written and photos that could be printed. I was interested in the immortality of art”
“But of course, my mother and i spoke the same language, and we still dind’t understand each other”
“I’m not Manchu, I’m not Chinese, I’m not American. I am all of them, because I am me.”
“I thought of my mother’s lightning mark. I would recognize my mother anywhere, the Land of the Living or the Land of the Dead”
i love this book with my whole heart.
review to come...
---
if the feelings and emotions that i experienced while reading this book were vintage clothes hung in a thrift store, i would scour every rack, searching for the perfect pieces to rekindle those same feelings and memories
"The Light of Eternal Spring" takes us on a journey from the busy streets of nyc to a small village called "eternal spring" in northeast China. We follow Aimee, a photographer who receives devastating news about her mother's death. Feeling responsible for her mother's broken heart (literally), she travels back to her roots to make amends. As Aimee reconnects with her family, the book also beautifully explores themes of mother/daughter and sisterhood, adding another layer of depth to this already captivating story."
This debut novel reads like a fever dream, a well-written tale of family, loss, longing, and connection where magical realism meets traditional Manchu storytelling. The blending of East and West and the struggle to balance two cultures and identities are something I know all too well. Additionally, this book offers a refreshing portrayal of North American Asian/Chinese literature, featuring non-Cantonese cultures and lesser-known areas. This book felt very personal to me on many dimensions, and no words can truly describe the feelings and emotions I felt.
Also, can we talk about how stunning the cover of the book is! The design resembles a film strip, with some of the letters partially blurred, as if captured by an unfocused camera.
Some quotes:
“But i was more interested in permanence, in words that could be written and photos that could be printed. I was interested in the immortality of art”
“But of course, my mother and i spoke the same language, and we still dind’t understand each other”
“I’m not Manchu, I’m not Chinese, I’m not American. I am all of them, because I am me.”
“I thought of my mother’s lightning mark. I would recognize my mother anywhere, the Land of the Living or the Land of the Dead”
April 21, 2023
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The Light of Eternal Spring is a tender and immersive literary debut from author and artist Angel Di Zhang, whose writing style is truly cinematic and imaginative. The story moves between the past and present, from NYC to the village of Eternal Spring in northeast China, and follows Aimee whose ambitions were always too grand for the village where she grew up. As she forges a path for herself in NYC, she struggles to reconcile with the roots and relationships she left behind in Eternal Spring.
The book explores themes of home, identity, culture, and family, but one of the things I appreciated most about this novel is how it touches on different ways of knowing and being. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling throughout generations, reconnecting with lost cultures and family, and finding your way home. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the eloquent analogies make the story so much richer. Throughout the novel, there’s a strong emphasis on longing, connection, and a desire to create art that’ll have a lasting impact.
There's nothing I would change about this book, I only wish I had more time to read it all in one sitting because it deserves that much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. I’m grateful to have this book at the top of my list!
The book explores themes of home, identity, culture, and family, but one of the things I appreciated most about this novel is how it touches on different ways of knowing and being. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling throughout generations, reconnecting with lost cultures and family, and finding your way home. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the eloquent analogies make the story so much richer. Throughout the novel, there’s a strong emphasis on longing, connection, and a desire to create art that’ll have a lasting impact.
There's nothing I would change about this book, I only wish I had more time to read it all in one sitting because it deserves that much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. I’m grateful to have this book at the top of my list!
May 22, 2023
I was hooked from the first sentence of this book. The book is an outstanding debut that features the right amount of magical realism, Manchu folklore and family drama. Aimee has been estranged from her mother for years when she receives a letter written in Manchu that says her mother has died of a broken heart. Unable to get in contact with her family back home in Eternal springs, her husband suggests they fly to China and maybe they will get lucky and be in time for the funeral. Unable to reconcile her differences with her mother Aimee free falls through her past in an attempt to deal with her loss. She stumbles in the dark looking for a way out of the guilt and pain she is feeling. She is forced to confront everything, and everyone, she gave up by not talking with her mother for all those years, in order to feel whole again. This book is fresh and offers a new way to look at loss and grieving that captures the pain, but still maintains incredible beauty. Each of the characters are so full of life I wish that I had more time to spend with them in the pages. I don't think any synopsis I could give would do this book justice because the beauty has to be experienced first hand. I highly recommend this book and think it would make a great book club selection.
May 30, 2023
a beautiful and touching book that had me crying on my morning commute to work😭
July 9, 2023
'The Light of Eternal Spring' is a phenomenal book by Angel Di Zhang. I'm genuinely so surprised that this is a debut!
Wu Aimee was born in a small village in China called Eternal Spring. Her mother takes her to a photography studio and this is her first unusual experience where she looks at a picture of New York City and 'falls into the image'. She experiences the photo like she's there in person and that singular event makes her want to move to America and pursue photography. She wants to recreate that moment over and over again. Her mother is not on board with her leaving Eternal Spring and living in a way that is foreign to her family. As Aimee grows more comfortable with the culture in the West and makes less time for her family back home, their relationship grows more and more strained until it's broken. It's only when she receives notice that her mother has passed away that Aimee re-evaluates her life and makes the journey back home to Eternal Spring for her mother's funeral.
Di Zhang does a wonderful job of weaving a story about childhood, ties to the past and culture and familial relationships with magic realism woven throughout. 'The Light of Eternal Spring' is captivating and the writing beautiful.
The relationship between Aimee and her family, particularly her mother hurt my heart and mended it. The journey from childhood to adulthood and the relationship between a mother and daughter, particularly from an Eastern perspective is so rare. I felt the frustration, the hurt, the guilt, and the healing so deeply as I read. Di Zhang has done a wonderful job capturing the perspective of so many women and daughters growing up in the Western world who have to find that middle point between 'back home' and home which is never a clear line.
Aimee's father, sister, grandmother and neighbours were huge highlights as well. They all feel like real people with every reaction and behaviour. I was so engaged throughout this book and taken on an incredibly emotion journey with its beautiful prose, amazing cast of characters and the hints of magic.
However, I wish there was more exploration of the magic realism consistently throughout the book. Aimee experiences her ability to fall into pictures at really poignant moments in the story, which makes sense and is true to the story the author is writing. I personally wanted a bit more acknowledgement of her ability and the magic of the world. Without that acknowledgement, her ability comes across as a feeling rather than something she can actually do.
Nonetheless, I think this is an incredibly strong debut by 'The Light of Eternal Spring' and a book that I will remember always because of how often it made me feel seen. I think anyone and everyone should pick up this book and go on a breathtaking adventure to Eternal Spring.
Thank you so much Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC and opportunity to review!
Wu Aimee was born in a small village in China called Eternal Spring. Her mother takes her to a photography studio and this is her first unusual experience where she looks at a picture of New York City and 'falls into the image'. She experiences the photo like she's there in person and that singular event makes her want to move to America and pursue photography. She wants to recreate that moment over and over again. Her mother is not on board with her leaving Eternal Spring and living in a way that is foreign to her family. As Aimee grows more comfortable with the culture in the West and makes less time for her family back home, their relationship grows more and more strained until it's broken. It's only when she receives notice that her mother has passed away that Aimee re-evaluates her life and makes the journey back home to Eternal Spring for her mother's funeral.
Di Zhang does a wonderful job of weaving a story about childhood, ties to the past and culture and familial relationships with magic realism woven throughout. 'The Light of Eternal Spring' is captivating and the writing beautiful.
The relationship between Aimee and her family, particularly her mother hurt my heart and mended it. The journey from childhood to adulthood and the relationship between a mother and daughter, particularly from an Eastern perspective is so rare. I felt the frustration, the hurt, the guilt, and the healing so deeply as I read. Di Zhang has done a wonderful job capturing the perspective of so many women and daughters growing up in the Western world who have to find that middle point between 'back home' and home which is never a clear line.
Aimee's father, sister, grandmother and neighbours were huge highlights as well. They all feel like real people with every reaction and behaviour. I was so engaged throughout this book and taken on an incredibly emotion journey with its beautiful prose, amazing cast of characters and the hints of magic.
However, I wish there was more exploration of the magic realism consistently throughout the book. Aimee experiences her ability to fall into pictures at really poignant moments in the story, which makes sense and is true to the story the author is writing. I personally wanted a bit more acknowledgement of her ability and the magic of the world. Without that acknowledgement, her ability comes across as a feeling rather than something she can actually do.
Nonetheless, I think this is an incredibly strong debut by 'The Light of Eternal Spring' and a book that I will remember always because of how often it made me feel seen. I think anyone and everyone should pick up this book and go on a breathtaking adventure to Eternal Spring.
Thank you so much Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC and opportunity to review!
March 26, 2023
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Light of Eternal Spring releases April 25, 2023
Set in both New York and China, and told in past and present narratives, this story is one that mingles the interspersion of passion, self-discovery, love, family, and grief.
Living as a photographer in New York, Amy receives a letter from her younger sister informing her that their mother died of a broken heart. Unable to properly get in touch with her family overseas, her husband David convinces them to travel back to her village called Eternal Spring, in hopes of attending a funeral and gaining some closure.
But her welcome home after many years away isn’t as warm-welcomed as she was expecting from Westernized standards. Amy has returned to a village that has drastically changed — one that has evolved and grown without her. Has her family harboured resentment towards Amy for seeking out and fulfilling her ambitions, even if it meant putting physical distance between them to achieve it?
This story was effortlessly immersive from the get go. Well rounded and developed characters brought forth bittersweet humour and reflection. I love how we got backstory from Amy’s childhood and really experienced where her passion and intrigue for photography first bloomed.
Partly interwoven with magical realism, we see the act of Amy’s camera lenses producing blurry photos right after she’s learned of her mother’s death, as well as her sporadic moments of falling into photos, and a sudden onset of blindness after an overwhelming rush of emotion stemming from grief.
A well crafted and tightly knit plot brings this full circle by reconnecting family, seeing things in a new light, and bridging together two separate entities — “To be whole, I needed both the place I came from and the place I chose.”
The Light of Eternal Spring is a stunning debut from a new voice in Canadian and Asian Lit — I can’t wait to see what Angel writes next!
Also, how cute is the cover which also resembles film strip from a camera?!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Light of Eternal Spring releases April 25, 2023
Set in both New York and China, and told in past and present narratives, this story is one that mingles the interspersion of passion, self-discovery, love, family, and grief.
Living as a photographer in New York, Amy receives a letter from her younger sister informing her that their mother died of a broken heart. Unable to properly get in touch with her family overseas, her husband David convinces them to travel back to her village called Eternal Spring, in hopes of attending a funeral and gaining some closure.
But her welcome home after many years away isn’t as warm-welcomed as she was expecting from Westernized standards. Amy has returned to a village that has drastically changed — one that has evolved and grown without her. Has her family harboured resentment towards Amy for seeking out and fulfilling her ambitions, even if it meant putting physical distance between them to achieve it?
This story was effortlessly immersive from the get go. Well rounded and developed characters brought forth bittersweet humour and reflection. I love how we got backstory from Amy’s childhood and really experienced where her passion and intrigue for photography first bloomed.
Partly interwoven with magical realism, we see the act of Amy’s camera lenses producing blurry photos right after she’s learned of her mother’s death, as well as her sporadic moments of falling into photos, and a sudden onset of blindness after an overwhelming rush of emotion stemming from grief.
A well crafted and tightly knit plot brings this full circle by reconnecting family, seeing things in a new light, and bridging together two separate entities — “To be whole, I needed both the place I came from and the place I chose.”
The Light of Eternal Spring is a stunning debut from a new voice in Canadian and Asian Lit — I can’t wait to see what Angel writes next!
Also, how cute is the cover which also resembles film strip from a camera?!
May 17, 2023
The Light Of Eternal Spring by Angel Di Zhang was just the happy book I needed during a very busy week!
I think my best description of this novel, in one word is "full". Within 230 pages there are perfect brush strokes creating something so layered. This book makes me feel a feeling that I can't quite put my finger on, but which is pleasing and pleasant.
Di Zhang does an amazing job at creating the space and characters with her words; words that are so precise and edited that it's almost poetry. The frivolous and fluffy words are omitted so that it's just bare bones, painting a picture without needing an abundance of words.
There's culture, community, belonging and nostalgia. Di Zhang mentions a disposable camera which Amy uses, and suddenly that photo click and the winding to advance the film is once again a tangible thing that I can feel and hear.
As I said, this book is just so happy. I think it would be a good book to read when you were feeling lost, displaced, lonely, longing for or missing someone, or in the grieving process. I can see myself re-reading and annotating the beautiful quotes within this gorgeous book, and I think this one sums up the novel perfectly: "The effect it has on us - that is art."
Thank you Tandem Collective Global and Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy to read and review.
I think my best description of this novel, in one word is "full". Within 230 pages there are perfect brush strokes creating something so layered. This book makes me feel a feeling that I can't quite put my finger on, but which is pleasing and pleasant.
Di Zhang does an amazing job at creating the space and characters with her words; words that are so precise and edited that it's almost poetry. The frivolous and fluffy words are omitted so that it's just bare bones, painting a picture without needing an abundance of words.
There's culture, community, belonging and nostalgia. Di Zhang mentions a disposable camera which Amy uses, and suddenly that photo click and the winding to advance the film is once again a tangible thing that I can feel and hear.
As I said, this book is just so happy. I think it would be a good book to read when you were feeling lost, displaced, lonely, longing for or missing someone, or in the grieving process. I can see myself re-reading and annotating the beautiful quotes within this gorgeous book, and I think this one sums up the novel perfectly: "The effect it has on us - that is art."
Thank you Tandem Collective Global and Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy to read and review.
May 7, 2023
(3.5 rounded up to 4)
The Light of Eternal Spring is a touching story that deals with themes of loss, regrets, forgiveness, family, home and the transformative power of art with a touch of magical realism. It will take you on an emotional journey from the busy streets of New York to the quaint city of Eternal Spring in China. If you enjoy novels about immigration, returning home and family relations, you will enjoy this book! The photography references and Chinese folklore were a nice touch.
The Light of Eternal Spring released on April 25th, 2023 and is available now.
Thank you to #tandemcollectiveglobal , #penguinrandomhouse and #angeldizhang for this gifted copy. 🙏🏻🥰
#penguinreads #thelightofeternalspring #angeldizhang #randomhouse #penguinrandomhouse #TandemReadalong #newyork #china #bookadoration #canadianbookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #canadianbookstagrammers
The Light of Eternal Spring is a touching story that deals with themes of loss, regrets, forgiveness, family, home and the transformative power of art with a touch of magical realism. It will take you on an emotional journey from the busy streets of New York to the quaint city of Eternal Spring in China. If you enjoy novels about immigration, returning home and family relations, you will enjoy this book! The photography references and Chinese folklore were a nice touch.
The Light of Eternal Spring released on April 25th, 2023 and is available now.
Thank you to #tandemcollectiveglobal , #penguinrandomhouse and #angeldizhang for this gifted copy. 🙏🏻🥰
#penguinreads #thelightofeternalspring #angeldizhang #randomhouse #penguinrandomhouse #TandemReadalong #newyork #china #bookadoration #canadianbookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #canadianbookstagrammers
January 11, 2024
The book follows Amy Hilton, born Wu Aimee who was born in the tiny Chinese village of Eternal Spring. She has been living and working as a photographer in New York City.
Amy receives a letter from her sister who tells her that her mother has died of a broken heart. Amy blames herself. She undertakes a quest that strips away all the elements of her new identity, leaving her ready to make amends. When she finally reunites with her family, things are far different than she remembers.
The story is woven with scenes from her childhood. I love the incredible creativity Zhang uses to see through the eyes of a child. It brings back that childlike wonder to the reader. This book was such a treasure to fall into. Zhang weaves in art, family and many other wonders of storytelling. It shows the great love between a mother and child. I did not want to put this book down.
Amy receives a letter from her sister who tells her that her mother has died of a broken heart. Amy blames herself. She undertakes a quest that strips away all the elements of her new identity, leaving her ready to make amends. When she finally reunites with her family, things are far different than she remembers.
The story is woven with scenes from her childhood. I love the incredible creativity Zhang uses to see through the eyes of a child. It brings back that childlike wonder to the reader. This book was such a treasure to fall into. Zhang weaves in art, family and many other wonders of storytelling. It shows the great love between a mother and child. I did not want to put this book down.
May 15, 2023
THE LIGHT OF ETERNAL SPRING by Angel Di Zhang is a poignant tale about a Chinese-American photographer, Amy Hilton, who returns to her native village in China after the death of her mother. The story is beautifully written and interweaves Amy's childhood memories with her present-day journey to reconnect with her family and her cultural roots. The book's themes of family, identity, and the power of art are delicately explored and skillfully woven together.
The author's use of magical realism adds an extra layer of enchantment to the story, making it an even more captivating read. Zhang's writing is richly descriptive, transporting the reader to Amy's childhood village and immersing them in its culture and traditions. The characters are well-developed, and their emotions and motivations are portrayed in a realistic and empathetic manner. This is a touching and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family relationships, the struggles of finding forgiveness after a loved one is gone.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #TheLightofEternalSpring #angeldizhang #penguinrandomca #bookreview
February 23, 2025
Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital advanced copy for my honest opinion.
The book follows Aimee (Amy), a girl from a small northeastern Chinese village who dreams of pursuing art in New York. While successful in her ambition, she loses touch with her Manchu roots, her family, and especially her relationship with her mother. When she hears that her mother has died, she returns to Eternal Spring in search of forgiveness, and herself.
The book was beautifully well written, poetic, and symbolic. It weaves magical realism with the spirits of Manchu storytelling. Aimee's internal struggle between her Manchu heritage and her American Dream can be related to by many diaspora. I particularly enjoyed the connections she had with prominent female figures in her life including her sister, her aunt, and her mother, each unique and nuanced.
I had difficulties enjoying the allegorical way of writing in some points; it felt quite random at times with no real follow up. I felt deeply ingrained in Aimee's imagined world instead of the real world (maybe that's intentional, but to me detracted from the lesson of the story). This type of writing also deterred character development aside from Aimee herself. I did not get to fully understand anyone else in the story or their relationship to Aimee. For example, Aimee and David, who's relationship is especially crucial, did not feel developed enough for me to believe it. I felt similarly with her father, who's conflict did not seem resolved. Aimee's relationship with her mother, a key driving force of Aimee's character development, also felt extremely one-sided (albeit one of them is not there) but to me didn't seem resolved.
3.75/5.
The book follows Aimee (Amy), a girl from a small northeastern Chinese village who dreams of pursuing art in New York. While successful in her ambition, she loses touch with her Manchu roots, her family, and especially her relationship with her mother. When she hears that her mother has died, she returns to Eternal Spring in search of forgiveness, and herself.
The book was beautifully well written, poetic, and symbolic. It weaves magical realism with the spirits of Manchu storytelling. Aimee's internal struggle between her Manchu heritage and her American Dream can be related to by many diaspora. I particularly enjoyed the connections she had with prominent female figures in her life including her sister, her aunt, and her mother, each unique and nuanced.
I had difficulties enjoying the allegorical way of writing in some points; it felt quite random at times with no real follow up. I felt deeply ingrained in Aimee's imagined world instead of the real world (maybe that's intentional, but to me detracted from the lesson of the story). This type of writing also deterred character development aside from Aimee herself. I did not get to fully understand anyone else in the story or their relationship to Aimee. For example, Aimee and David, who's relationship is especially crucial, did not feel developed enough for me to believe it. I felt similarly with her father, who's conflict did not seem resolved. Aimee's relationship with her mother, a key driving force of Aimee's character development, also felt extremely one-sided (albeit one of them is not there) but to me didn't seem resolved.
3.75/5.
June 22, 2023
Wu Aimee was born in a small village in China called Eternal Spring. After an unusual experience while young and looking at a photograph of New York City, Aimee felt that she had actually gone into the image and could experience the cityscape as a real thing. This event made her realize that she wanted to be an artist so she could recreate the experience. Aimee worked hard academically so she could leave her village and eventually go to New York City.
This single-minded drive, and leaving home, drove a wedge between Aimee and her mother, and years later, married and working as a photographer, she gets a letter from her younger sister telling her that their mother has died.
Aimee is upset, blaming herself, and decides to travel back to Eternal Spring so she can at least be there for the funeral. Arriving at her family home, Aimee discovers that things are a lot different than she remembers, and she must rebuild her relationships and her understanding of who her mother was.
Angel Di Zhang's "The Light of Eternal Spring" is a strong debut novel. It deals with the complicated relationship between mother and daughter, especially when they each want such different things. Zhang also deals with Aimee's experiences as an immigrant, and how that can be disorienting, and can involve segregating or diminishing parts of oneself. Then there is also the shock of returning home and finding too many changes, and struggling with reintegrating all the different parts of oneself after that, which would only be more confusing and painful after the death of a parent. Zhang confidently brings all these themes together in a moving story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
This single-minded drive, and leaving home, drove a wedge between Aimee and her mother, and years later, married and working as a photographer, she gets a letter from her younger sister telling her that their mother has died.
Aimee is upset, blaming herself, and decides to travel back to Eternal Spring so she can at least be there for the funeral. Arriving at her family home, Aimee discovers that things are a lot different than she remembers, and she must rebuild her relationships and her understanding of who her mother was.
Angel Di Zhang's "The Light of Eternal Spring" is a strong debut novel. It deals with the complicated relationship between mother and daughter, especially when they each want such different things. Zhang also deals with Aimee's experiences as an immigrant, and how that can be disorienting, and can involve segregating or diminishing parts of oneself. Then there is also the shock of returning home and finding too many changes, and struggling with reintegrating all the different parts of oneself after that, which would only be more confusing and painful after the death of a parent. Zhang confidently brings all these themes together in a moving story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 11, 2023
Amy (Aimee) had an epiphany, at the young age of 8, that she would have to leave her village, Eternal Spring, in North Eastern China, in order to pursue her fascination with photography.Flash forward, and Amy’s is living in New York when she receives a letter from her sister, (in their native Manchurian dialect), that she no longer can understand, and so, she must get it translated. She is shocked when she finds out her mother died of a broken heart. She knows she now must go “home”, to her family. But she has been away so long, it is not going to be easy to “return” after all this time. And even worse, she had hoped to resolve her differences with her mother…
Who is Amy/Aimee after being away for so long? Is Eternal Spring the same place that she remembers? Will she fit back in? You will have to read the book to find out.
I received the eARC of The Light of Eternal Spring from netgalley in return for my honest review. This is a story that touches on so many issues: like love, loss, family, grief, art, sisters, and more. I loved the characters and the writing. I read the book in a matter of hours. Totally a #5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I always like quoting the blurbs;
“This book is a beautiful tribute to the love ❤️ between a mother and daughter, and the power in coming home.” - Lynn Steger Strong.
“Angel di Zhang has created a modern world flush with enchantment, but the connection between mothers and daughters, may be the strongest magic of all. I was completely enthralled.” - Gin Phillips.
.
Who is Amy/Aimee after being away for so long? Is Eternal Spring the same place that she remembers? Will she fit back in? You will have to read the book to find out.
I received the eARC of The Light of Eternal Spring from netgalley in return for my honest review. This is a story that touches on so many issues: like love, loss, family, grief, art, sisters, and more. I loved the characters and the writing. I read the book in a matter of hours. Totally a #5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I always like quoting the blurbs;
“This book is a beautiful tribute to the love ❤️ between a mother and daughter, and the power in coming home.” - Lynn Steger Strong.
“Angel di Zhang has created a modern world flush with enchantment, but the connection between mothers and daughters, may be the strongest magic of all. I was completely enthralled.” - Gin Phillips.
.
April 24, 2023
I received a free ARC through NetGalley.
This was a gentle dream of a book, delving through the magic of photography, Manchu mythology, family dynamics, intercultural divides, and the never ending march of time.
Amy Hilton (born Wu Aimee) is a successful commercial photographer living in New York in 1999 with her loving, solar power engineer husband David. Her life is completely shattered when she receives a letter from her sister in Manchu, a language she can no longer read. After having the note translated she realizes her mother has died unexpectedly, having not seen each other in over a decade.
Amy must travel to China and reconnect with her family and the little girl she once was before she can find the mother she thinks she's lost: fully reconciling her identity as both Amy and Aimee.
The magical realism elements are light, but support the fable-like qualities of the novel. Most notable is Aimee's ability to "fall into" photographs, and her mother's stories, interpretations of Manchu legends, woven into the narrative.
I enjoyed the sections dealing with Aimee's childhood, the family dynamics are nuanced and the way art weaves through her life is enchanting. Her father is someone I wish I could sit with, work on our sketchbooks, and drink some tea.
A lovely debut novel, and would be a perfect read for a short vacation, or curled up in a comfy chair with a big mug of coffee.
This was a gentle dream of a book, delving through the magic of photography, Manchu mythology, family dynamics, intercultural divides, and the never ending march of time.
Amy Hilton (born Wu Aimee) is a successful commercial photographer living in New York in 1999 with her loving, solar power engineer husband David. Her life is completely shattered when she receives a letter from her sister in Manchu, a language she can no longer read. After having the note translated she realizes her mother has died unexpectedly, having not seen each other in over a decade.
Amy must travel to China and reconnect with her family and the little girl she once was before she can find the mother she thinks she's lost: fully reconciling her identity as both Amy and Aimee.
The magical realism elements are light, but support the fable-like qualities of the novel. Most notable is Aimee's ability to "fall into" photographs, and her mother's stories, interpretations of Manchu legends, woven into the narrative.
I enjoyed the sections dealing with Aimee's childhood, the family dynamics are nuanced and the way art weaves through her life is enchanting. Her father is someone I wish I could sit with, work on our sketchbooks, and drink some tea.
A lovely debut novel, and would be a perfect read for a short vacation, or curled up in a comfy chair with a big mug of coffee.
May 9, 2023
Amy Hilton, born Wu Aimee in the small Chinese village of Eternal Spring is a photographer in NYC and has lost touch with her roots. When she receives a letter from her sister written in her mother tongue of Manchu, she needs to take it to Chinatown to get it translated - where she finds out her mother has died of a broken heart. Amy feels guilty for leaving her family, first for school, then to pursue her art and finally to marry a white man. She flies to China, haunted by her mother's stories and tries to pick up where she left off.
This is a beautiful immigrant story, interwoven with art. Amy struggles to balance her identity as a Chinese American woman - which I think anyone who is either an immigrant themselves or is from an immigrant family thinks about from time to time. The fine balance of where you come from and where you are now. This book has been described as including magical realism because Amy has the ability to "fall" into photographs, and I didn't even notice until after - if you know me, anything magical is usually a turn-off, but with Amy's artistic perspective it didn't even feel unreal - after all don't we all get immersed or lost in a piece of art once in a while?
Highly, highly recommend! Thank you to Tandem Collective Global for my copy of this book.
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This is a beautiful immigrant story, interwoven with art. Amy struggles to balance her identity as a Chinese American woman - which I think anyone who is either an immigrant themselves or is from an immigrant family thinks about from time to time. The fine balance of where you come from and where you are now. This book has been described as including magical realism because Amy has the ability to "fall" into photographs, and I didn't even notice until after - if you know me, anything magical is usually a turn-off, but with Amy's artistic perspective it didn't even feel unreal - after all don't we all get immersed or lost in a piece of art once in a while?
Highly, highly recommend! Thank you to Tandem Collective Global for my copy of this book.
AD-PR PRODUCT
May 6, 2023
This story makes the old adage that you can’t get where you are going until you know where you’ve been ring true. Wu Aimee or Amy has lived in New York and worked as a photographer for a number of years. She got there after falling in love with a photo of New York in her childhood. But her mother, a woman from small village China, wasn’t having any of it and their relationship became strained. All Amy could see was her dream of New York, and all her mother could see was the loss of her child.
A letter advising of her mother’s death leads Amy on a journey back home and a journey that will have profound effects.
Oh my gosh, what a poetic, lyrical, and evocative story. There are so many relatable passages. I underlined so much of this book. It’s heartbreaking and funny at the same time.
It’s a story about family, art and healing. I loved all of the photography references. It’s magic.
A letter advising of her mother’s death leads Amy on a journey back home and a journey that will have profound effects.
Oh my gosh, what a poetic, lyrical, and evocative story. There are so many relatable passages. I underlined so much of this book. It’s heartbreaking and funny at the same time.
It’s a story about family, art and healing. I loved all of the photography references. It’s magic.
March 27, 2023
I loved The Light Of Eternal Spring. There was nothing I would have changed, nothing I wish was different. This book was exactly what it needed to be.
Aimee receives a letter in New York from her sister in China telling her their mother, who she hasn’t spoken to in 10 years has died. Boarding a plane with her husband she returns to her home to a less then welcoming reception. Switching between Aimee’s growing up and the present. I love books about families that show the intricacies and complexity that come with loving the people we are related to, and Angela Di Zang does it spectacularly in her debut novel. Hitting shelves April 24 2023 this is definitely one I recommend. Thank you to Netgallery and Penguin Random House for letting me review an advanced copy.
Aimee receives a letter in New York from her sister in China telling her their mother, who she hasn’t spoken to in 10 years has died. Boarding a plane with her husband she returns to her home to a less then welcoming reception. Switching between Aimee’s growing up and the present. I love books about families that show the intricacies and complexity that come with loving the people we are related to, and Angela Di Zang does it spectacularly in her debut novel. Hitting shelves April 24 2023 this is definitely one I recommend. Thank you to Netgallery and Penguin Random House for letting me review an advanced copy.
April 2, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! The idea of falling into a photograph is such an amazing visual that I was imagining what it would be like if I could do that. The author's writing style is so beautiful, I was hooked into the story immediately. What a wonderful debut novel, well done!
I loved this book! The idea of falling into a photograph is such an amazing visual that I was imagining what it would be like if I could do that. The author's writing style is so beautiful, I was hooked into the story immediately. What a wonderful debut novel, well done!
May 16, 2023
This was so beautiful 🥹 I’ll come up with a better review, I promise.
Read
April 13, 2023“Cinematic” is an apt description for this novel as we follow Amy, a photographer in New York, back to her hometown, a northeastern village in China called Eternal Spring. The reason she’s back is because her mother has passed and she must process her grief while grappling with her long separation from her family and the culture she grew up with.
The story has an ethereal quality to it as Amy’s memories are filled with tales that her mother used to tell. And so, her grief is explored through vignettes of her past, almost as if you’re flipping through a photo album. The feelings are there, but sometimes the memories lapse. I like this fractured way of exploring grief, where nothing feels quite real. In a lot of ways, this story captures the surrealness of the experience of grief. The story also has some magical elements that capture this essence.
On a specific note, I love the photography references in this book. I’m probably a bit biased, but it was fun when Amy gets into the details of her photo taking.
I also loved that Amy is Manchu and the setting is in northern China. China is far from a monolith and it’s cool to see non-Cantonese representation among the Chinese diaspora in North American literature.
The only thing I didn’t love (although I admit I’m very biased) is that I don’t feel like I got enough of an explanation for Amy’s love of New York. I’m sorry New Yorkers, I’ve been and I just don’t really see the magic of it? At this point I just get a little annoyed when I see yet another story set in New York. There are people! And Asians! In other parts of the country (not just California either).
My silly gripe aside, this is a lovely debut on grief, home, Manchu culture, family, and photography.
Thank you PRH Canada for the review copy!
Visit my Instagram @vanreads for more of my reviews.
The story has an ethereal quality to it as Amy’s memories are filled with tales that her mother used to tell. And so, her grief is explored through vignettes of her past, almost as if you’re flipping through a photo album. The feelings are there, but sometimes the memories lapse. I like this fractured way of exploring grief, where nothing feels quite real. In a lot of ways, this story captures the surrealness of the experience of grief. The story also has some magical elements that capture this essence.
On a specific note, I love the photography references in this book. I’m probably a bit biased, but it was fun when Amy gets into the details of her photo taking.
I also loved that Amy is Manchu and the setting is in northern China. China is far from a monolith and it’s cool to see non-Cantonese representation among the Chinese diaspora in North American literature.
The only thing I didn’t love (although I admit I’m very biased) is that I don’t feel like I got enough of an explanation for Amy’s love of New York. I’m sorry New Yorkers, I’ve been and I just don’t really see the magic of it? At this point I just get a little annoyed when I see yet another story set in New York. There are people! And Asians! In other parts of the country (not just California either).
My silly gripe aside, this is a lovely debut on grief, home, Manchu culture, family, and photography.
Thank you PRH Canada for the review copy!
Visit my Instagram @vanreads for more of my reviews.
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