Peony in Love by Lisa See

Peony in Love is a historical fiction about a young girl in 17th century China. Peony's parents believe that unmarried girls should stay in the home at all times. But on one special day, she is allowed to view a play on their property; protected from sight by a screen. She is able, though, to glimpse a man whom she instantly becomes infatuated with. Tragically, Peony has been arranged to marry another man she has not met. Overtime, Peony falls so deeply in love with this man that she becomes heartbroken when her wedding day draws near. It affects her so much so that she becomes deathly ill. "So begins Peony's unforgettable journey of love and destiny, desire and sorrow-as Lisa See's haunting new novel, based on actual historical events, takes readers back to seventeenth-century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed."

Peony in Love is based on accurate historical events and cultural aspects. In this book, Lisa See again explores the roles of women in China. I was happy that the cultural traditions were not repeats of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. See added a twist by including the traditions and rituals of the after-life.

I thought this book was even better than Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It began with some heavier historical content and Chinese language but quickly became much easier to read. The story was beautifully written and very tragic. There was a twist close to the beginning that I was not expecting and it made the story so much more interesting! I give this book a huge Thumbs Up.

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The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

In The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, Susie Salmon is murdered. However, the reader is able to see Susie's perspective of the afterlife. Susie describes the mysterious place she finds herself living in and watches over her family. Her father attempts to solve the murder case with little support from others. And everyone tries to heal and cope with the grief.
 There was nothing "lovely" about The Lovely Bones. I thought it was boring and very depressing. It was supposed to be an amazing story about a girl helping her father solve her murder case from beyond the grave. It was supposed to be uplifting and thought-provoking. But I just thought it was a big downer. I just didn't understand it and it wasn't what I expected. Thousands of people love the book but it just wasn't what I was expecting. I took me forever to get through this book and I had to push myself just to get to the end. I give The Lovely Bones a big Thumbs Down.

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Being Dead by Jim Crace

In Being Dead, Joseph and Celice visit Baritone Bay, their special place, to rekindle a lost flame. While enjoying a picnic they are brutally murdered. Crace traces back their history from the day they met as college students up until their tragic deaths.

Throughout the story, Crace vividly describes what happens to their decomposing bodies, from bugs to the effects of the weather. Then flashes back to when Joseph and Celice were alive and works up to how they died. It sounds confusing with the time changes but it was easy to follow.

I had wanted to read this book years ago when I was into horror novels and the somewhat grotesque. When I couldn't find it in store I reluctantly settled for Crace's The Pesthouse. I just recently ordered Being Dead and was so excited because I had waited so long.

Unfortunately I waited too long to get this book. My taste in books has drastically changed and broadened since then. I found that the writing was good but the description of their decomposing bodies made me very squeamish. And the story of their life was equally depressing. They had a fairly mundane, passionless life and were not given the chance to redeem themselves.

I found this book to be boring, disgusting, depressing, and not nearly as imaginative and engrossing as The Pesthouse. I think I was so disappointed because I had waited so long to read it and I was so hyped. I give this book a sad Thumbs Down.

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Strangers by Taichi Yamada

Strangers was written by Japanese screenwriter Taichi Yamada and translated to English. The 47 year old main character Harada has recently divorced and is living in his office. On his birthday he decides to visit his hometown that he has not been to in years. While he is there he finds a couple that looks exactly like his parents at the age they were when they died (in their 30's). He spends time with this couple trying to understand who these people are.

Harada struggles with his tragic past and his current loneliness.He finds comfort in this couple with whom he feels like a kid again. But this happiness could only last for so long before it began to take a toll on his health.

I couldn't put the book down. I loved the story, suspense, mystery, and shock-value. At the end of the book the whole story comes together and it leaves you wanting to read more. It's only 200 pages long so it is a fast read. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Japanese and Korean films, especially ghost stories.

I give this book a Thumbs Up!

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