The Book:
Meet Mei, a young Chinese American who has discovered she has the mystical ability to transport herself anywhere that is spiritually "China"-including Chinatowns around the world and different eras of Chinese history. As an adoptive child of the diaspora, Mei was raised in America with no knowledge of Chinese folklore or fairy tales, but when an antiques dealer friend needs help retrieving a mythic artifact-a jade carving of a peach that represented same-sex love in ancient China-she's game to give it a try.
Her quest sends Mei not only into the past, but on a journey of self-discovery.
My Thoughts:
This is a beautifully written book, compelling and immersive on many different levels. A beautiful blend of history and folklore, and a treatise into the many facets of love. I also found it a fascinating insight into American culture from the perspective of a Chinese diaspora. I loved this book very much. I was thoroughly immersed in this world and swept away.
Mei is an engaging and interesting character, at times flawed which makes her very relatable and very human. Mei’s relationships with family, friends and lovers are particularly well drawn and at times powerful and poignant. One scene in particular between Mei and her mother almost made me cry.
The structure of the novel with parallel timelines as well as time travel is really well executed. We move easily between Mei’s past and present, as well as her various forays across time and place, from Chinatowns in different cities all the way back to Imperial China itself. A real testament to the skill of the author. One small niggle though, a plot hole that was never really closed. A time travel paradox that I really hoped would be explained away. But it wasn’t, and felt unresolved. I can’t really say any more about this though because I don’t want to give away any spoilers
But don’t let that stop you!!! I absolutely loved this book and I’m sure you will too.
