Haunting historical fiction novel
This historical fiction novel is a haunting story of the journey and sufferings of a mother and her three daughters from the gentry class in China, as they escape the communist who seize their property and force them to flee. The writing is very descriptive. The author describes the hatred the communist had toward the gentry and why. The author also gives a vivid description of the physical and emotional suffering endured by the mother and her three daughters as they were targeted by the communist.
While the description is intense, it is not gratuitous. I learned a great deal about the takeover of China by the communist after WWII, as the author did an excellent job in weaving the history of the time into the story. The “Focus on Sons” is a major theme of the book demonstrating how very ingrained it is in the Chinese culture. I found the historical part of the novel as interesting and engaging as the story line. The characters were very well drawn. The descriptions of the characters and their actions elicit emotions for the reader ranging from hatred to empathy and admiration.
The ending seemed hurried, as a lot was packed into the last few chapters. The different pace and tone may have been used purposely, by the author, to demonstrate a change in the life situation of the main characters. I found this to be a very thought-provoking novel and have recommended it as a selection for my book club.
An Impressive Debut
By Eve J. Chung
A work of historical fiction inspired by Chung’s family who was displaced during the Communist Revolution in China. The Daughters of Shandong is told through the eyes of Hai, the eldest daughter of the Ang family. Hai along with her mother and sisters are turned out of their home in Zhucheng during the Revolution, enduring a long and difficult journey to reunite with their father and husband. This is about self-preservation, community, and achieving goals within a culture that devalues women. Through the experiences of Hai and her loved ones, we see the consequences of war, trauma, displacement, and gender-based discrimination while telling a story of survival and triumph.
I was fully invested in these memorable characters. With all the ups and downs this family and others endured, was difficult to fathom. It is an extraordinary debut; and I love when a new author can pull me in from the beginning, and when it happens, it’s like magic. Also, the cover of this book is so beautiful. I am so looking forward to what is next from this brilliant author.
Thank you to BookBrowse and the publisher for the book.
Compassionate empathy for humans caught in unfathomable chaos
You can hear the grandmother’s voice from the turbulent past that saw the building of China and Taiwan. The linguistic eccentricities of present speech blossom like scattered blood and brains in the snow .
Generational, In More Ways Than One
A family of all women, forced to answer for the patriarch’s crimes, sets up a tragic journey, but the Ang women find glimmers of hope along a long, arduous path. They struggle for even the most basic of items and stay with a kind uncle who happens to have tuberculosis, made all the more traumatizing by the fact that the author based the story on her grandmother’s life.
History buffs will not be surprised by the secrets and fear associated with the Communist Party, but the political conflict tears apart the family as people fight for essentials. The Communists show cruelty to the Nationalists and each other, reminding us why the generation before us feared that ideology so much.
It all adds to what has made historical fiction a top genre for many readers. American history books say so little about this struggle in China, and so many recent books are here to teach us. Unconditional respect for elders and the favoritism shown to boys remain important themes to most Asians in literature, and they exist in droves here.
Avid readers who gravitate towards Civil War/Slavery novels or those about Word War II/Holocaust books will recognize these characters who must survive with next to nothing to find a way to live. In a world where we think that our political affliction is worth dying for, we will understand the themes even as the number of Communist countries decreases exponentially.
Tiawan – Historical Fiction Highly Recommended
As the country was gripped by the throes of revolutionary change, long-held traditions and the sheer unpredictability of fate combined to uproot entire communities, forcing them to embark on perilous journeys in pursuit of refuge in Taiwan. The narrative delves deep into this little-known chapter of post-WWII history, shedding vital light on the complex geopolitical dynamics that shaped the eventual establishment of the Republic of China on Taiwan, distinct from the mainland’s communist regime.
For me, this book served as a revelatory education, filling crucial gaps left by traditional history lessons that have often overlooked the human stories and profound personal costs underlying such seismic political transformations. Chung’s masterful storytelling not only enlightens, but also captivates, as the protagonist’s struggles to preserve their traditions and achieve safety in the face of immense adversity are vividly brought to life.
Ultimately, Daughters of Shandong stands as an essential and highly recommended read for anyone seeking to gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of China’s tumultuous modern history, particularly the experiences of women and girls navigating the rigid social mores of the time.
Self-Discovery on the Road to Taiwan
The narrator of this novel is 13-year-old Hai. She is delightful… loyal, intelligent and fiercely protective of her mother and sisters and she will endear herself to readers from the first page. Hai is the eldest daughter of the Ang family and the reader immediately becomes aware that female children are not valued in this society. In fact, the births of female children are considered bad luck and a burden on the family. In the Ang family, by the time Hai’s mother gives birth to her third daughter, Hai’s father does not even give her the dignity of a name. She is simply called ‘Three’. Despite this treatment (or perhaps because of it), Hai, her mother and her sisters must develop a sense of self-determination, self-worth and resourcefulness to survive all they will have to endure once the Communists arrive in Shandong and they are driven from their home.
This novel was one which I could not stop thinking about. When I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t wait to return to the story. There were some difficult scenes throughout the story but reading about Hai and their treacherous journey from Shandong to Taiwan was ultimately gratifying and I rooted for these women through every step of their journey. I cannot recommend this novel enough!!
Powerful, inspiring, riveting story
This book is a work of fiction, but it’s based on the real life of the author’s grandmother. A mother and three daughters are left behind when the more powerful members of their Nationalist family flee to escape communists during the revolution. The story is told from the perspective of the oldest daughter, Li Hai, and the author does an astonishing job of capturing the thoughts of an adolescent girl dealing with both inconceivable trauma and everyday concerns. The author portrayed the relationship between Li Hai and her slightly younger sister with tenderness and frankness, showing both the squabbles and closeness of sisters. The book is a page-turner, with a gripping plot describing the mother and daughters’ flight and their treatment as females. At the same time, the story provides much food for thought and offers inspiration for the struggle for gender equality. The book is well-written and not a word is wasted. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
A Legacy Inspired by Change
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of how increased access to education becomes a powerful tool for overcoming societal obstacles and breaking harmful cycles. The story is well-paced and well-written, immersing readers in the characters’ struggles and triumphs. DAUGHTERS OF SHANDONG not only provides a window into a tumultuous period of history but also serves as an enlightened reflection on the resilience of women and their ability to reshape their destinies against the backdrop of cultural challenges. Chung’s narrative skillfully weaves together personal and historical threads, making this novel a compelling and insightful read.
