Cadence of a lullaby

Gail Tsukiyama’s words are simple.  Her story is simple.  But her words are poetic.  Her story is beautiful.

Tsukiyama’s A Hundred Flowers tells of the Chineese communist crackdown on intellectuals in the late 1950’s.  The story revolves around Kai Ying, a devoted mother, wife, and daughter-in-law.  In the first few pages Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, is torn from his family and sent to a labor camp for his letter criticizing the Communist Party.  From that moment, Kai Ying must endure the hardships of uncertainty, silence, and single parenthood.  Kai Ying is resilient and strong.  She perseveres.  Unfortunately, in her perseverance, she uncovers painful secrets.

The story line is straightforward, but filled with poignant moments that draw the characters close to your heart.  And there is a sub-plot, gently and expertly weaved in, that nearly made me cry each time it became the focus.

Tsukiyama’s soft tone  takes on the cadence of a lullaby.  The great hope and deep love in this story will wrap you up in a warm, comfortable blanket.

So many books so little time

I have just recently been sent copies of two books that I think look very interesting.  I will be excited to read them.  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get to them for quite some time.  I will be starting my Master’s of Literature at UC Irvine this summer and I will be doing an incredible amount of reading.  So, check these books out and let me know what you think:

A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama

 

 

 

 

 

 

and A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King