I loved this book. It was a chance pick up from the library, a glance at a shelf and ‘that one will do.’ I sort of read the blurb but I wasn’t focussing.
I really enjoyed it. Those are the best kind of books, the ones you take a chance on and that surprise you. I loved the characters, I loved the way the way the story was interwoven. I struggled a bit with visualising the scenes but I think that was because I usually know a lot more about a book before I start it, whereas I wasn’t even sure where this was set.
I loved the ideas and history and culture that are woven in. I learned some stuff about fashion, different kinds of names for dresses, like cheongsam, also a little bit more about Confucius. Its beautifully written, full of suspense and just a really rich read. I really brought into the individual story lines.
It was like sitting in the bath with a candle in the dark on a mild warm September night, eating jelly beans and never quite knowing which colour was coming next, it kept me guessing. I liked the ending, how it wasn’t all resolved, some of it is still there. It was just wonderful. Highly recommended.
A Tuesday Latte 