Free Life

Another Winner By Ha Jin

This novel made me think about all the people we dismiss and take for granted in our everyday lives. It also made me think about lost opportunities and being content with what we have.

This novel is simply written. The plot reflects real life so it is not a thrilling story but a recognizable one. When I find a novel that I want to read quickly and that also makes me think, I am totally satisfied.

Disappointed

As someone with an interest in China ( I live in Asia and have Chinese students . .and have been to China)I was disappointed in this book. I found it tedious and dull and filled with small stories and incidents which seemed to go nowhere and added nothing to the story. I kept waiting for them to add up and was disappointed when they didnt. The overall plot is predictable in the extreme. ( Family comes to America, gets along, has love/hate relationship with homeland. . .thats IT.) Much of the story centers on the Gold Wok restaurant, but this never came to life. Coupled with the constant misuse of a dictionary while writing ( I found annoying the language clunkers (refulgent spots?" "mellifluous voice") and weak attempts at colloquial usage ( "she was broad in the beam") as well as the equally strange rendering of Nan's accent when speaking English.) The book is too long by half and it should have received the blessing of much more careful editing. Repeating the advice I give my students I would recommend that Ha Jin forget trying to impress us with his vocabulary and put away that dictionary . . .and just write simply . .from the heart

So True

The immigrant experience, from a Chinese point of view but equally reflective of the lives of immigrants from other countries, is laid out here for all to read and understand. A book full of truths and harsh realities, of sacrifice, and self realization. A book of what is gained and what is lost by those who leave their countries and who have to fit into another life and culture.

rewards of enduring goodness and love

I loved this book! The daily life and struggles of thw Wu family tells the story, so beautifully, of so many enduring themes. Most impotantly, unconditional love and it's power to transform and save lives. Pinping, the mother, is unconditonal in her love of her husband, family, friends and countries, both new and old. Pingping represents everything good. Her amazing strength and enduring love is to aspire to. I just loved this book..very life affirming! Read it.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.