Book of the Month: September

Daughters of Shangdong is a compelling story about the wealthy Ang family during the Chinese Civil War.This historical fiction novel is based upon the author's grandmother's experience in China. The story delves into her attempts to escape from China after the Communists won the civil war. 

This story is intense and emotional. Hai, Di and their mother went through so much trauma during these years it's amazing that they were able to forge a life for themselves afterwards. Hai almost died when Mao's guards grabbed her and denounced her among her neighbors. She was struck another of times and spent hours kneeling in the town square. She was an Ang and had to be punished for coming from a privileged family.

I had heard about these events from reading the news but to read about it up close and personal is another thing. These three ladies endured so much pain it was hard to read at times. You can't say the author didn't get the setting right. She most definitely did. If there is one word to describe the story it's anguish. Maybe terror is another good description. 

In any event I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Eve Chung is now a favorite author of mine.