Days to Read: 6 days
Before starting this book I asked my coworker
about it because as I read in the novel, the original book was discovered on a
blog, was published, and was a huge success in China. The book was translated
into English and has been made into a feature film. Ai Mi is an alias as the
real author is unknown. My coworker had not read the book but had heard of the
film and the story.
I was immediately drawn into this book. I love a
good romance, especially one that occurs in a different culture or time period.
This book was so different from any I had read in that the innocence of the
young girl Jingqiu was very extreme. The story takes place during China's
Cultural Revolution (socialism was being enforced across the country). Jingqiu
is sent to the country along with several other students to interview the
villagers and write a textbook. While living in the village, Jingqiu falls in love
with Old Third, an army general's son. Jingqiu comes from a family that has
been disgraced as her father was branded a Capitalist so the relationship would
never work. However the two find time to meet and spend time with each other.
In a stark contrast to todays societal norms, Jingqiu is naive and cautious in
her courtship with Old Third. She is also conflicted between her love and
personal desires and the political climate at the time. Falling in love and
marrying for love were not for the greater good and were considered
selfish.
The story is a typical love story but the
complexities of the culture provides the reader with a a new perspective. You
can't help but adore Jingqiu and the other characters in this novel.
I highly recommend it!
No comments:
Post a Comment