NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

“Lin and Manna wait 18 years to marry before Lin can get a divorce. The book is a touching, amusing, beautifully written account of their lives in the interim and the early years of their marriage. They are not a romantic couple, certainly not Lin who is timid and values a quiet life before passion. They accept without question the restrictions placed on their lives by the Maoist regime in China where they live. They are perfectly willing to accept the possibility that a good match might be arranged for Manna with someone else. There is an amusing account of one such suitor’s search for a wife and his dismissal of Manna because her handwriting is not good enough. Neither are sure of their own feelings or of one another.

For the most part the book flows gently along, describing in detail the ordinary background of their lives – loving descriptions of birds, animals, trees, the preparation of food. The rape scene when it comes is therefore something of a shock. All the characters are well drawn and interesting. There is a sympathetic portrait of Lin’s first wife Shuya and their daughter.

There are no easy conclusions, no clear-cut happy ending. In a sense everything has come too late. Lin’s first wife has come to live in the city with their daughter and the experience has changed her. Lin now sees her differently. He is no longer ashamed of her and her bound feet. Maybe now he could have a happy life with her? Maybe this will happen in the future as Manna’s health is precarious?

For subtle unfolding of events and development of character, simple clear beautifully written prose and quiet humour, I think this book would be hard to beat.”

Member Raheny Library Reading Group.