I've finished my first novel of the year. Inheritance by Lan Samantha Chang. My friend Krisa actually sent it to me for Christmas (thank you Krisa). With all the baby book reading I've been doing the last several months, I haven't had much time to read fiction, but this was the first on my list.
This was a heartbreaking novel that primarily takes place in the 1930's and 1940's during wartime in China. The book embarks on painting a picture of a fractured family trying to deal with betrayal, infidelity, absence during wartime, arranged marriages, suicide and a whole lot of other family tragedy. I admit this book made me cry at the end because it continued to push the reader to question whether certain things are ever forgivable. I'm a sucker for happy endings, but this one was bittersweet.
All in all, I would recommend this book. I thought the author did a good job portraying one characteristic that I think is universal in many Asian cultures, pride, and how it exhibits itself. This isn't a light read though, so if you're looking for a upbeat bubblegum read, this probably wouldn't be the best choice.
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