David Rotenberg

Not particularly well written. Thought it was a translation due to the choppy nature of the writing. Abandoned at Chapter 6.
May be of interest to those who want to read about the general milieu of 2004 Communist China.

boring; couldn't get past p.100. Confusing world building; first person narrative switches without adequate clues to where you are narratively.

Long saga about the city and it's opening up to other settlers and the history of China in 19th century through the vehicle of a story of the influence of ancestors and mythology. A really interesting way to thread history through personal stories. Three large books with about 30 chapters each but tightly woven. Good read.

This was a thrilling, exhilarating ride! Rotenberg combines theme, character, and location in a powerful splendour of historical fiction that borders right on the literary sphere. I was very impressed with the book and it has some great writing, parts, and scenes that- all together, make up a comprehensive, decisive victory of reading.

Recommended for those interested in historical and literary fiction.