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Under the Hawthorn Tree
Yichang municipality, Hubei province, China, early 1970s. High-school student Jingqiu is one of many educated urban youth sent to the countryside to be "re-educated" under a dictate from Chairman Mao. Jing's father is a political prisoner somewhere in China, and her mother, a former teacher branded as a "capitalist," is now reduced to menial work to support Jing and her two younger siblings.
When Jing arrives with a group at Xiping village in the Yangtze River's Three Gorges region, she meets geology student Jianxin, nicknamed "Old Three," who is the son of a high-ranking military officer, but whose mother committed suicide after being branded a "rightist." Despite their disparate social backgrounds and a political atmosphere that forbids the relationship, Jingqiu and Jianxin fall desperately in love. But their budding romance is cut short by fate...
A sensitive and searing love story, Under the Hawthorn Tree is sure to become an instant classic.
When Jing arrives with a group at Xiping village in the Yangtze River's Three Gorges region, she meets geology student Jianxin, nicknamed "Old Three," who is the son of a high-ranking military officer, but whose mother committed suicide after being branded a "rightist." Despite their disparate social backgrounds and a political atmosphere that forbids the relationship, Jingqiu and Jianxin fall desperately in love. But their budding romance is cut short by fate...
A sensitive and searing love story, Under the Hawthorn Tree is sure to become an instant classic.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2007
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December 5, 2013
Perhaps one of the most disappointing factors in a reading experience is when you finish a novel that had all the potential for greatness and fell so far short. This is exactly my experience with Under the Hawthorne Tree by Ai Mi.
It is difficult to point to just one reason the novel failed. It could have been the English translation that was so very uninspiring, spare, flat. There was not one inspiring passage, one beautifully turned phrase. For me it was like reading a young child's first fiction.
The novel's failure could have been in the utter naivete of the author's story, an unrequited love like unto Romeo and Juliet, but so far short of the depth of story required to have significant emotional impact.
It could have been the characterization of the heroine, Jingqui, who swung from sympathetic waif to spoiled and self-centred idiot.
Combined, these flaws create a saccharine romance that should please lovers of Twilight, Harlequin Romances, and other novels of similar ilk.
Throughout the narrative, the author attempts to create a romantic tension between the two main protagonists, Jingqui, who is a young female student, and Sun Jianxin (known as Old Third),who is a soldier in the People's Republic of China.
Set in post-revolutionary China, Jingqui meets Old Third while working on a farm as part of her school curriculum. Jingqui then proceeds to bounce between the extremes of loving and loathing, admiring and mistrusting the handsome soldier, Old Third, who does everything in his power to ensure her happiness and safety, even unto his own destruction.
Her sexual naivete is beyond ridiculous, especially for someone who is allegedly as well-read and intelligent as she, little say someone who works among farm folk. The ridiculousness of her lack of sexual understanding extends to belief that she might become pregnant through a kiss, or sitting on a bed with a man, or even just allowing a touch. For a girl who has watched ducks mating, and likely seen other farm animals mating, this protracted lack of understanding wears thin by the denouement. And given she has knowledgeable female friends who very much indulge in gossip, and have a keen awareness of sexuality, it is only logical that some of the basic, physical facts of sex might have filtered through. Overall, Jingqui's lack of understanding of the sexual act entirely lacks credibility.
And if the author hoped to create a romantic tragedy, she only succeeded in that the character of Jingqui proves to be so selfish and uncaring of Old Third's genuine well-being, that the death-bed scene ends up a melodramatic screech of Jingqui's presence.
Now a major motion picture, I can only hope the screenwriter, Lichuan Yin, used the novel only as inspiration, and created something far more credible and memorable.
It is difficult to point to just one reason the novel failed. It could have been the English translation that was so very uninspiring, spare, flat. There was not one inspiring passage, one beautifully turned phrase. For me it was like reading a young child's first fiction.
The novel's failure could have been in the utter naivete of the author's story, an unrequited love like unto Romeo and Juliet, but so far short of the depth of story required to have significant emotional impact.
It could have been the characterization of the heroine, Jingqui, who swung from sympathetic waif to spoiled and self-centred idiot.
Combined, these flaws create a saccharine romance that should please lovers of Twilight, Harlequin Romances, and other novels of similar ilk.
Throughout the narrative, the author attempts to create a romantic tension between the two main protagonists, Jingqui, who is a young female student, and Sun Jianxin (known as Old Third),who is a soldier in the People's Republic of China.
Set in post-revolutionary China, Jingqui meets Old Third while working on a farm as part of her school curriculum. Jingqui then proceeds to bounce between the extremes of loving and loathing, admiring and mistrusting the handsome soldier, Old Third, who does everything in his power to ensure her happiness and safety, even unto his own destruction.
Her sexual naivete is beyond ridiculous, especially for someone who is allegedly as well-read and intelligent as she, little say someone who works among farm folk. The ridiculousness of her lack of sexual understanding extends to belief that she might become pregnant through a kiss, or sitting on a bed with a man, or even just allowing a touch. For a girl who has watched ducks mating, and likely seen other farm animals mating, this protracted lack of understanding wears thin by the denouement. And given she has knowledgeable female friends who very much indulge in gossip, and have a keen awareness of sexuality, it is only logical that some of the basic, physical facts of sex might have filtered through. Overall, Jingqui's lack of understanding of the sexual act entirely lacks credibility.
And if the author hoped to create a romantic tragedy, she only succeeded in that the character of Jingqui proves to be so selfish and uncaring of Old Third's genuine well-being, that the death-bed scene ends up a melodramatic screech of Jingqui's presence.
Now a major motion picture, I can only hope the screenwriter, Lichuan Yin, used the novel only as inspiration, and created something far more credible and memorable.
March 13, 2013
Perhaps one of the most romantic novels I have ever read, Ai Mi's Under the Hawthorn Tree gave me a strong story of what I always imagined true love to be, if such a thing existed. I'm not a big reader on romance novels and that goes part and parcel with my disbelief of a supposed feeling of love. I assure you this isn't my will of perpetuating masculinity by emphasizing the fact that I, 1) do not read a lot of romance novels and 2) I question the validity of what is commonly conceptualized as love. Having said that, I believe this novel is this epitome of what one would categorize as romance and fits with my cultural definition and conceptualization of love. It was a well-written novel (thanks also to Anna Holmwood for translating) that really made me want to believe that such a thing as love did exist.
My point is this: Although I question the validity and what one would consider as love (as I have never personally experienced such a sensation), this novel makes me want to believe in the possibility of being together with a significant other - eternally.
My point is this: Although I question the validity and what one would consider as love (as I have never personally experienced such a sensation), this novel makes me want to believe in the possibility of being together with a significant other - eternally.
August 17, 2012
This is a remarkable book for a number of reasons.
First, it was published on a website to begin -- and has apparently reached millions of readers in China. So to read it is to read a very popular saga in China and obtain some insight into the perspectives that contemporary Chinese readers themselves find fascinating. The focus on an ill-fated but very romantic love affair in the context of the Cultural Revolution surely tells us something about China romanticizing its past, and seeing a time when someone very poor could nevertheless find love with someone very secure from a powerful family. Is that a dream of the past that is now seen as gone forever?
Second, the perspective presented on the Cultural Revolution is quite striking -- it is seen less as a senseless and brutal process and more as a genuine effort to connect rural and urban China, even if there were undeserved victims. Those in rural areas, moreover, are seen as at least having access to food -- while the urban poor are much worse off, with unsafe temporary work and food gaps.
Third, there is an almost bizarre naivety to Jingqui, the central women character, when it comes to sexual and emotional knowledge. How can this be believable in a reasonably educated community? The love affair between her and Old Third is quite powerful in driving forward what is a novel with many insights into the social and economic texture of Chinese society -- but Jingqui's staggering innocence of sexual realities provides a jarring note.
Nevertheless, this is a book to read, as much for what it tells us of contemporary China, as for what it says about the past.
First, it was published on a website to begin -- and has apparently reached millions of readers in China. So to read it is to read a very popular saga in China and obtain some insight into the perspectives that contemporary Chinese readers themselves find fascinating. The focus on an ill-fated but very romantic love affair in the context of the Cultural Revolution surely tells us something about China romanticizing its past, and seeing a time when someone very poor could nevertheless find love with someone very secure from a powerful family. Is that a dream of the past that is now seen as gone forever?
Second, the perspective presented on the Cultural Revolution is quite striking -- it is seen less as a senseless and brutal process and more as a genuine effort to connect rural and urban China, even if there were undeserved victims. Those in rural areas, moreover, are seen as at least having access to food -- while the urban poor are much worse off, with unsafe temporary work and food gaps.
Third, there is an almost bizarre naivety to Jingqui, the central women character, when it comes to sexual and emotional knowledge. How can this be believable in a reasonably educated community? The love affair between her and Old Third is quite powerful in driving forward what is a novel with many insights into the social and economic texture of Chinese society -- but Jingqui's staggering innocence of sexual realities provides a jarring note.
Nevertheless, this is a book to read, as much for what it tells us of contemporary China, as for what it says about the past.
September 6, 2016
This novel was frustrating. Although it offered some cultural and historical insight regarding China's Cultural Revolution, the story was so linear from cover to cover with each chapter being "ground hog day". The 2 main characters were portrayed as strong, capable and intelligent yet their relationship was immature and naive...resulting in a sappy romance. The ending was entirely predictable and the writing flip-flopped between first and third person. Not sure if the latter was a translation flaw but this should have been caught in editing.
September 25, 2020
A beautiful love story that made me smile, get hurt and cry along with it. I couldn't put it down and read it all at once!
The only unsettling thing was their ages by today's standards but acceptable for the time.
The only unsettling thing was their ages by today's standards but acceptable for the time.
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November 17, 2021# ซานจา...รักชั่วนิรันดร์
เรื่องนี้เล่าถึงความรักของหนุ่มสาวคู่หนึ่ง เป็นความรักในวัยต้น วัยที่ยังไร้เดียงสา ไม่รู้จะจัดการกับความรู้สึกของตัวเองอย่างไร ภายใต้ข้อจำกัดของความกดดันทางสังคม และการเมืองในยุคปฏิวัติวัฒนธรรมของจีน
การจะอ่านเรื่องนี้ให้มีอารมณ์ร่วม อาจจะต้องพยายามทำความเข้าใจบริบทของสังคมจีนในยุคนั้น ละทิ้งความ naive ขั้นสุด และการเอาตัวเองเป็นศูนย์กลางสรรพสิ่งของนางเอกไว้เบื้องหลัง ซึ่งเมื่อเราก้าวข้ามตรงนี้ไป ก็พบว่าประทับใจพอควรกับความรักอันบริสุทธิ์ที่เต็มไปด้วยเงื่อนไข แบบที่ไม่น่าจะพบเจอในยุค 5G นี้...
สำนวนแปลอ่านง่ายดีด้วยค่ะ :)
เรื่องนี้เล่าถึงความรักของหนุ่มสาวคู่หนึ่ง เป็นความรักในวัยต้น วัยที่ยังไร้เดียงสา ไม่รู้จะจัดการกับความรู้สึกของตัวเองอย่างไร ภายใต้ข้อจำกัดของความกดดันทางสังคม และการเมืองในยุคปฏิวัติวัฒนธรรมของจีน
การจะอ่านเรื่องนี้ให้มีอารมณ์ร่วม อาจจะต้องพยายามทำความเข้าใจบริบทของสังคมจีนในยุคนั้น ละทิ้งความ naive ขั้นสุด และการเอาตัวเองเป็นศูนย์กลางสรรพสิ่งของนางเอกไว้เบื้องหลัง ซึ่งเมื่อเราก้าวข้ามตรงนี้ไป ก็พบว่าประทับใจพอควรกับความรักอันบริสุทธิ์ที่เต็มไปด้วยเงื่อนไข แบบที่ไม่น่าจะพบเจอในยุค 5G นี้...
สำนวนแปลอ่านง่ายดีด้วยค่ะ :)
January 12, 2023
A ver. El trasfondo historico me gusta muchísimo. La historia tiene altibajos, la trama por ahí no se cree mucho, demasiado vueltera. Ella se pasa de ingenua, demasiado me parece ja. Linda historia para pasar el rato, pero podría tener varias páginas menos. La escritura es meh.
July 12, 2014
Cuando llegó este libro a mis manos no tenía una expectativa demasiado alta con respecto a éste, digamos que lo estaba leyendo a ciegas, no leí nada más que la pura sinopsis, así que no tenía una idea muy clara sobre de qué trataba (cuando empiezo a leer un libro primero leo algunas opiniones para ver lo que me espera).
La verdad es que no tengo muy claro que ocurrió realmente durante la Revolución Cultural en China, así que cuando empezaba a leer el libro estuve un poco (muy) perdida con respecto a la Historia. Todo se desarrolla en esa época, y por lo que entendí, la historia del libro se basa en hechos reales. Jing Qiu es una muchacha, hija de padres conservadores, que fue mandada a una comunidad para registrar historias y hechos de los habitantes, y es ahí cuando conoce a Mayor Tercero, un muchacho que piensa muy diferente a la comunidad. Sin querer se empieza a formar una historia entre los dos, una romántica historia, aún sabiendo que está prohibido y que podría ser peligroso que alguien los viera juntos; enfrentando juntos los diversos problemas que se les interpongan.
Al principio la historia se me hizo algo pesada y aburrida porque todo transcurría muy lento, pero mientras avanzaba el libro, la historia se hacía más interesante y dulce. El sutil romance de los protagonistas es realmente encantador, y muy trágico a la vez, no poder estar juntos por el qué dirán y por lo que pudieran hacer en su contra.
La personalidad de Jing Qiu es bastante insegura y desconfiada, y a la vez demasiado inocente. Jing Qiu desconoce demasiadas cosas, cosas que en ese entonces eran temas tabú. Algunas personas que lean este libro podrían criticar a la chica por su personalidad tan inocente e insegura (demasiado insegura comparándola con otras protagonistas de otros libros), pero su personalidad es bastante típica en esa época, y más si sus padres omiten dichos temas que daban vergüenza en esos tiempos. A mí, en lo personal, no me molestó en nada el carácter de Jing Qiu, al contrario, su carácter le daba un toque dulce al libro y a la amarga situación que vivía la chica.
Y con respecto a Sun Jianxing (Mayor Tercero), él es un muchacho un poco más experimentado, sabe más sobre la situación de esa época y sobre lo que ocurría con él y con Jing Qiu; es un muchacho valiente y que solo quiere estar al lado de su amada y protegerla.
En conclusión, disfruté bastante leyendo este libro, la historia es realmente conmovedora y dulce, el final casi me hacía llorar. Este es uno de los libros de los que no me arrepiento de haber leído, aunque en algunas ocasiones se me hiciera muy lenta la historia.
La verdad es que no tengo muy claro que ocurrió realmente durante la Revolución Cultural en China, así que cuando empezaba a leer el libro estuve un poco (muy) perdida con respecto a la Historia. Todo se desarrolla en esa época, y por lo que entendí, la historia del libro se basa en hechos reales. Jing Qiu es una muchacha, hija de padres conservadores, que fue mandada a una comunidad para registrar historias y hechos de los habitantes, y es ahí cuando conoce a Mayor Tercero, un muchacho que piensa muy diferente a la comunidad. Sin querer se empieza a formar una historia entre los dos, una romántica historia, aún sabiendo que está prohibido y que podría ser peligroso que alguien los viera juntos; enfrentando juntos los diversos problemas que se les interpongan.
Al principio la historia se me hizo algo pesada y aburrida porque todo transcurría muy lento, pero mientras avanzaba el libro, la historia se hacía más interesante y dulce. El sutil romance de los protagonistas es realmente encantador, y muy trágico a la vez, no poder estar juntos por el qué dirán y por lo que pudieran hacer en su contra.
La personalidad de Jing Qiu es bastante insegura y desconfiada, y a la vez demasiado inocente. Jing Qiu desconoce demasiadas cosas, cosas que en ese entonces eran temas tabú. Algunas personas que lean este libro podrían criticar a la chica por su personalidad tan inocente e insegura (demasiado insegura comparándola con otras protagonistas de otros libros), pero su personalidad es bastante típica en esa época, y más si sus padres omiten dichos temas que daban vergüenza en esos tiempos. A mí, en lo personal, no me molestó en nada el carácter de Jing Qiu, al contrario, su carácter le daba un toque dulce al libro y a la amarga situación que vivía la chica.
Y con respecto a Sun Jianxing (Mayor Tercero), él es un muchacho un poco más experimentado, sabe más sobre la situación de esa época y sobre lo que ocurría con él y con Jing Qiu; es un muchacho valiente y que solo quiere estar al lado de su amada y protegerla.
En conclusión, disfruté bastante leyendo este libro, la historia es realmente conmovedora y dulce, el final casi me hacía llorar. Este es uno de los libros de los que no me arrepiento de haber leído, aunque en algunas ocasiones se me hiciera muy lenta la historia.
January 7, 2014
It reads like a romance novel without super explicit stuff. The plot is reminiscent of soap dramas where someone withholds information and all manner of misunderstandings abound, innocent virgins unintentionally turning on men because they are innocently (and of course charmingly) blind to their own allure. I would have loved this book as a teenager - I remember idolising angsty male heroes - but I don't think it is my taste anymore. I am not writing this off as a bad book, but the reader would have to be in the right age group to enjoy it. Am not sorry I read it, but probably wouldn't read it again.
November 7, 2013
I have been interested in everything that has got to do with China for the last few years, so this book was a great discovery for me. When I saw the cover and read the text on the back, I knew instantly I was going to like this book and I was right about that. Under the Hawthorn Tree is a beautiful book about love in the 1970s in China, between a poor girl and a wealthy boy. The girl's character is very modest and you like her instantly, the boy is very good to her and together they are adorable. You can only hope the best for them. I can absolutely recommend this book a lot, especially if you love romantic stories.
December 29, 2013
The plot is held together by so many "chance" happenings that it is impossible to suspend so much disbelief. I lost patience with the protagonist's self absorption and thickness and obsession with her purity. Leave it to the Chinese (my heritage is Chinese btw) to have sex but remain a virgin! Naive ness is coy but a whole book on it is just plain being "thick". Populist movements " a classic" do not make. I'm guessing that the most generous reviews aren't by people who know the culture at all because the protagonist is not like any cultural revolution coming-of-age person I know.
July 21, 2011
纯洁的恋情。。。让人感动的是这原来可以发生在现实之中。
“一个人，只有当他或她还能为那些与自己没有直接利害关系的人或事感动、担心、焦虑的时候，他或她的心才真正活着，真正年青。”--- 静秋
“一个人，只有当他或她还能为那些与自己没有直接利害关系的人或事感动、担心、焦虑的时候，他或她的心才真正活着，真正年青。”--- 静秋
February 18, 2023
Es una linda historia de amor, dentro del contexto de la Revolución Cultural China (1966-1976).
La narración empieza en 1974 donde la protagonista viaja al campo para escribir un libro para ayudar a la Asociación de Reforma Educativa.
La historia en sí está llena de malos entendidos (hasta la última página).
Cosas que me llamaron la atención:
Los jóvenes tenían muy arraigados sus ideales, y todo lo que refería al "enamorarse" fuera de los grupos que los unían o de la edad que correspondía, era "traicionar ese sistema o dejarse llevar por el capitalismo".
La inocencia de la protagonista asusta.
El trabajo forzoso que no distinguía género, ni edad.
Un poco larga para mi gusto, muuuchos detalles.
Entretenida.
La narración empieza en 1974 donde la protagonista viaja al campo para escribir un libro para ayudar a la Asociación de Reforma Educativa.
La historia en sí está llena de malos entendidos (hasta la última página).
Cosas que me llamaron la atención:
Los jóvenes tenían muy arraigados sus ideales, y todo lo que refería al "enamorarse" fuera de los grupos que los unían o de la edad que correspondía, era "traicionar ese sistema o dejarse llevar por el capitalismo".
La inocencia de la protagonista asusta.
El trabajo forzoso que no distinguía género, ni edad.
Un poco larga para mi gusto, muuuchos detalles.
Entretenida.
October 23, 2019
Under The Hawthorne Tree by Ali Mi is a fairly average book in my opinion. It focuses on the disparity between social classes, and how rumors and gossip are taken to an extreme consideration during this point in time. I cannnot say this book was the best, but it was good. Main point i liked was the outdated description of romance that was balancing the book, coupled with the abstract thinking our protagonist had for every situation, which confused me even more, but pushed me to think deeper and imagine what my reaction would be in this setting of time.
Our setting takes place in China 1974, three years prior to the end of The Culture Revolution led by dictate Mao Ze Dong. Our protagonist is Jingqiu, a very strong, capable highschool girl on the verge of adolecense, she herself is very knowledgeable by book but completely clueless when responding to other people's feelings and humor. See her situation is she was born in good family background, never had to worry about food and expenses, she lived in a nice home in the city, but ever since the emergence of Chairman Mao, her family was moved onto the countryside, branded as capitalists by society, and her father was relocated far away for "re-education" leaving Jingqiu and her sickly mother and young sister to fend for themselves, as why she is so cold and unmoving. But when a son of a high rank millitary officer moves to her camp for work, the two, both from completely different worlds, fall madly in love with another, making Jingqiu's plans for the future waver from its original path, as she trys to figure out why her body is changing and why she cannot stop thinking about her lover.
This story showed trust, compassion, and the true meaning of love. These elements were perfectly blended in narration, and showed the main character's path to maturity as a result. There were some important parts that went off the side, like full explanation of The Culture Revolution, or who was Chairman Mao. But overall the book was great, not unique, but good. Maybe romance novels aren't my thing but I gave my review.
Our setting takes place in China 1974, three years prior to the end of The Culture Revolution led by dictate Mao Ze Dong. Our protagonist is Jingqiu, a very strong, capable highschool girl on the verge of adolecense, she herself is very knowledgeable by book but completely clueless when responding to other people's feelings and humor. See her situation is she was born in good family background, never had to worry about food and expenses, she lived in a nice home in the city, but ever since the emergence of Chairman Mao, her family was moved onto the countryside, branded as capitalists by society, and her father was relocated far away for "re-education" leaving Jingqiu and her sickly mother and young sister to fend for themselves, as why she is so cold and unmoving. But when a son of a high rank millitary officer moves to her camp for work, the two, both from completely different worlds, fall madly in love with another, making Jingqiu's plans for the future waver from its original path, as she trys to figure out why her body is changing and why she cannot stop thinking about her lover.
This story showed trust, compassion, and the true meaning of love. These elements were perfectly blended in narration, and showed the main character's path to maturity as a result. There were some important parts that went off the side, like full explanation of The Culture Revolution, or who was Chairman Mao. But overall the book was great, not unique, but good. Maybe romance novels aren't my thing but I gave my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2015
Under the Hawthorn Tree, by Ai Mi, started off with promise. A young Chinese girl named Jingqui, naive but smart, is sent off into the villages to document life in order to write more accurate history textbooks. Set in China in the 1970's the book is heavily rooted in the cultural revolution. Interest is peaked. A tale is told of a hawthorn tree with flowers dyed red from the blood of soldiers. The backdrop is set with an old folktale of a maiden torn between two loves. I wasn't 100% which way the story would go, but I expected some sort of excitement, really.
The downfall of Under the Hawthorn tree, though, was that it really wasn't all that gripping. Little happens in terms of drama and plot, and though there are moments of great family loyalty, and the love interest, Old Third, is introduced, things move far too slowly for too long to really keep the reader interested. Furthermore, the naive Jingqiu is neither sweetly innocent, nor undergoes a knowledge revelation, as would warrant character development. Instead, she continually misinterprets signs and things people tell her. This becomes frustrating as she neither seeks to clarify, nor do other characters pick up on her extreme ignorance. While naivety is not a bad quality for a main character, it became increasingly frustrating in this instance as very simple misunderstandings lead to unrealistic conclusions. The novel itself plays on this by seeming to present information in a cryptic way, making the reader assume one thing when the opposite may be true. This tact could class as mystery, but rather comes across as a frustrating repetition of drawn out scenes and little-explained feelings. Is she being coy, or simply unaware of other's affections? Does Old Third lie to her?
What promised itself to be a Romeo and Juliet style romance, fraught with uncertainties and trials, became instead a tale about the mundane life of a young Chinese girl. Though appearances were made by Old Third, and there were glimpses of a budding romance, it came too little too late and Jingqiu's walls came down too unexpectedly for me to invest myself in the romance as much as I would have liked. Jingqiu simply wasn't someone I could connect with. Though her connection with Old Third eventually becomes a sweet one, and there are certainly moments of grand romance, the plodding nature of the novel throughout took away from these moments, and dulled the shine that could have been a sweet young love. The redeeming character was Old Third himself, resolute and kind, but as the story did not focus on him and rather Jingqui, there were certainly narrative lulls.
While the setting, China during the cultural revolution, was both interesting and less common, it provided both interest and problem to those less familiar with the time. Having studied modern Chinese History, there were elements that struck me, but the oddities present in this time did provide some-what of a struggle in terms of ease of reading. There were moments that wording and phrases seemed out of place for the anti-liberal society, though this may be due to translation.
Overall, the story provides a good account of life in China in the 1970's, and the struggles a young girl has to face in the upside down social structure facing the cultural revolution, but in terms of great romantic stories, I found the novel to have only scratched the surface of what could have been a very moving, deep story of love.
The downfall of Under the Hawthorn tree, though, was that it really wasn't all that gripping. Little happens in terms of drama and plot, and though there are moments of great family loyalty, and the love interest, Old Third, is introduced, things move far too slowly for too long to really keep the reader interested. Furthermore, the naive Jingqiu is neither sweetly innocent, nor undergoes a knowledge revelation, as would warrant character development. Instead, she continually misinterprets signs and things people tell her. This becomes frustrating as she neither seeks to clarify, nor do other characters pick up on her extreme ignorance. While naivety is not a bad quality for a main character, it became increasingly frustrating in this instance as very simple misunderstandings lead to unrealistic conclusions. The novel itself plays on this by seeming to present information in a cryptic way, making the reader assume one thing when the opposite may be true. This tact could class as mystery, but rather comes across as a frustrating repetition of drawn out scenes and little-explained feelings. Is she being coy, or simply unaware of other's affections? Does Old Third lie to her?
What promised itself to be a Romeo and Juliet style romance, fraught with uncertainties and trials, became instead a tale about the mundane life of a young Chinese girl. Though appearances were made by Old Third, and there were glimpses of a budding romance, it came too little too late and Jingqiu's walls came down too unexpectedly for me to invest myself in the romance as much as I would have liked. Jingqiu simply wasn't someone I could connect with. Though her connection with Old Third eventually becomes a sweet one, and there are certainly moments of grand romance, the plodding nature of the novel throughout took away from these moments, and dulled the shine that could have been a sweet young love. The redeeming character was Old Third himself, resolute and kind, but as the story did not focus on him and rather Jingqui, there were certainly narrative lulls.
While the setting, China during the cultural revolution, was both interesting and less common, it provided both interest and problem to those less familiar with the time. Having studied modern Chinese History, there were elements that struck me, but the oddities present in this time did provide some-what of a struggle in terms of ease of reading. There were moments that wording and phrases seemed out of place for the anti-liberal society, though this may be due to translation.
Overall, the story provides a good account of life in China in the 1970's, and the struggles a young girl has to face in the upside down social structure facing the cultural revolution, but in terms of great romantic stories, I found the novel to have only scratched the surface of what could have been a very moving, deep story of love.
June 7, 2017
Ok I am really happy I read the reviews because I think everyone who mid rated this book had the same issues and loves that I did with this book.
Starting with what I loved. The setting was amazing!! This book has peaked my interest in Chinese history in a way that no textbook ever could. Hearing of the oppression and unfairness that occurs in a post capitalist/ communist society was very interesting and something I was really trying to help explain the actions of the characters.
And now we have moved on to my least favourite thing in this story, the characters! It is a real testament to the setting that I continued through a book where the characters were so annoying. I think for awhile the setting helped explain the characters true naivety. But that only works for so long. I could understand Jingqiu being naive at the beginning of the novel; she's young and living in a society where love is discouraged. But throughout the novel Jingqiu does nothing to learn about love, men, sexuality, or reproduction. She is afraid that kissing Old Third will make her pregnant.
At the beginning you think it's because all young girls are like this; there are rules to follow and topics that are taboo to speak of. This is not even remotely true. Jingqiu's younger sister even knows more about men than Jingqiu does. Jingqiu has classmates and friends who have gotten pregnant or been with men. Just because nobody has explicitly talked about sex or conceiving around you doesn't mean you can't find a friend you trust and ask.
The only interesting part of Jingqiu is that she really cares for her family and will do anything to protect them. That is really admirable and was what made me really hope that her naivety was a result of her surroundings.
Old Third is manipulative and that bothers me a lot. I don't care that he is manipulating Jingqiu for her own good; you should not have to manipulate someone.
The plot was ok but because the characters are hard to connect with even the big plot point at the conclusion of the novel doesn't have much of an impact. Also, another reviewer mentioned that the plot seemed to repeat itself; Jinqiu doesn't know what to think of Old Third, she won't ask anyone for helpful advice, and she needs to work a lot because her family is poor.
Overall I rated this book 3 stars because I don't regret reading it but I honestly don't think I'd recommend it to anyone. It didn't feel worth it. I am interested to see if the movie was written so that the characters were more enjoyable.
Something to note: A lot of reviews I saw were bothered by the switch between first and third person narrative. I honestly didn't notice it as I was reading the book so if you aren't looking for it then it isn't distracting. Having said that the writing wasn't anything special.
Starting with what I loved. The setting was amazing!! This book has peaked my interest in Chinese history in a way that no textbook ever could. Hearing of the oppression and unfairness that occurs in a post capitalist/ communist society was very interesting and something I was really trying to help explain the actions of the characters.
And now we have moved on to my least favourite thing in this story, the characters! It is a real testament to the setting that I continued through a book where the characters were so annoying. I think for awhile the setting helped explain the characters true naivety. But that only works for so long. I could understand Jingqiu being naive at the beginning of the novel; she's young and living in a society where love is discouraged. But throughout the novel Jingqiu does nothing to learn about love, men, sexuality, or reproduction. She is afraid that kissing Old Third will make her pregnant.
At the beginning you think it's because all young girls are like this; there are rules to follow and topics that are taboo to speak of. This is not even remotely true. Jingqiu's younger sister even knows more about men than Jingqiu does. Jingqiu has classmates and friends who have gotten pregnant or been with men. Just because nobody has explicitly talked about sex or conceiving around you doesn't mean you can't find a friend you trust and ask.
The only interesting part of Jingqiu is that she really cares for her family and will do anything to protect them. That is really admirable and was what made me really hope that her naivety was a result of her surroundings.
Old Third is manipulative and that bothers me a lot. I don't care that he is manipulating Jingqiu for her own good; you should not have to manipulate someone.
The plot was ok but because the characters are hard to connect with even the big plot point at the conclusion of the novel doesn't have much of an impact. Also, another reviewer mentioned that the plot seemed to repeat itself; Jinqiu doesn't know what to think of Old Third, she won't ask anyone for helpful advice, and she needs to work a lot because her family is poor.
Overall I rated this book 3 stars because I don't regret reading it but I honestly don't think I'd recommend it to anyone. It didn't feel worth it. I am interested to see if the movie was written so that the characters were more enjoyable.
Something to note: A lot of reviews I saw were bothered by the switch between first and third person narrative. I honestly didn't notice it as I was reading the book so if you aren't looking for it then it isn't distracting. Having said that the writing wasn't anything special.
May 23, 2015
As a girl in the modern society, it was very hard to relate to everything, so I took some time to look up details of the Cultural Revolution in China. And during my research, I slowly began to understand the plot and the characters.
Jingqiu was mature and naive at the same time. She knew how to keep her mouth and help her family to survive, but nobody told her what love was. Of course, she figured it out in time...though not as what we imagine nowadays, but still, she did it.
I read the Chinese original AND the English translation (again, after the research). The problem is, that some phrases are just translated different. I am NOT implying that the translation is bad, but you know that translations and originals are just not the same. Take the German word Habseligkeiten as an example: it means someones belongings, if literally translated. However, it means actually belongings that have happy/sad meanings to someone, but are useless to everyone else. So it has other things attached to it.
Well, back to the book...
I think Jingqiu acted shy and unexperienced because she was afraid. As a girl who did not have a decent background (at that time), she was always rejected, and critisised. And please understand, at that time, there was no such thing like sexual education. Jingqiu`s mother said nothing about is because firstly, she was not expecting her daughter having anything to do with men before she arranged a marriage for her, and secondly, I doubt she would have told her anything since it was...not "proper" knowledge.
Some passages were - yes, I know - quite primary school-ish. That is because the book is based on a true story, recorded in a diary. The author is retelling the story after editing certain details out and adding information from conversations with her friend. Thus, Ai Mi tried to keep dialogues and such close to the true story.
It is a bit sad that the book itself did not contained a more detailed summary from the Cultural Revolution and its aftereffects (more sad for one star ratings). And then, I cannot expect everyone to do some research for every book, right?
No matter what others say, I really like this book for picturing something that rarely exsists now. The ending broke my heart, but it is a good written and realistic end.
Yet more painful is the fact that there would be no happy ending I could think of. A Romeo & Juliet end would be double sad, having them married for a short time would not be a proper solution, as Old Three was running out of time.
Jingqiu was mature and naive at the same time. She knew how to keep her mouth and help her family to survive, but nobody told her what love was. Of course, she figured it out in time...though not as what we imagine nowadays, but still, she did it.
I read the Chinese original AND the English translation (again, after the research). The problem is, that some phrases are just translated different. I am NOT implying that the translation is bad, but you know that translations and originals are just not the same. Take the German word Habseligkeiten as an example: it means someones belongings, if literally translated. However, it means actually belongings that have happy/sad meanings to someone, but are useless to everyone else. So it has other things attached to it.
Well, back to the book...
I think Jingqiu acted shy and unexperienced because she was afraid. As a girl who did not have a decent background (at that time), she was always rejected, and critisised. And please understand, at that time, there was no such thing like sexual education. Jingqiu`s mother said nothing about is because firstly, she was not expecting her daughter having anything to do with men before she arranged a marriage for her, and secondly, I doubt she would have told her anything since it was...not "proper" knowledge.
Some passages were - yes, I know - quite primary school-ish. That is because the book is based on a true story, recorded in a diary. The author is retelling the story after editing certain details out and adding information from conversations with her friend. Thus, Ai Mi tried to keep dialogues and such close to the true story.
It is a bit sad that the book itself did not contained a more detailed summary from the Cultural Revolution and its aftereffects (more sad for one star ratings). And then, I cannot expect everyone to do some research for every book, right?
No matter what others say, I really like this book for picturing something that rarely exsists now. The ending broke my heart, but it is a good written and realistic end.
Yet more painful is the fact that there would be no happy ending I could think of. A Romeo & Juliet end would be double sad, having them married for a short time would not be a proper solution, as Old Three was running out of time.
January 26, 2016
I find this book extremely special, heartfelt, realistic under the circumstances, and romantic. It had a little bit of everything - some history, geography, mystery, naivety, realism, sadness and romance. It is not the predictable, sensual book that is so often put out there as a "great romance" where one knows the ending after reading the first page.
I understand that some people might think that Jingqiu was too naive, but one must consider the conditions under which she grew up:
1. She had a very protective mother who said so many things to her to scare her with statements like "you don't want to ruin your reputation" and "look at all the girls who have been ruined", "don't let boys mess with you", etc. without ever explaining to her how that could happen or what she meant.
2. She was living under an educational and government ruling system where children did not question their teachers or superiors, and where obedience was mandatory.
3. She was a hard worker who 'kept her nose to the grindstone' and so didn't discuss things with schoolmates or co-workers and her goal was to excel, not only in academics but in sports.
4. She didn't have the opportunity to see her father and mother in a normal husband/wife daily relationship, and it seems her only brother was 'sent to the country' when she was at a young age so she didn't have the guidance of having him around.
5. Her 'true love' also didn't explain things to her and seldom said what he actually meant. She was always second-guessing him and trying to figure out what he actually thought, based on things she had heard from her mother and others.
6. Adults in her circle of school and work also made comments to heard which were unclear and could be easily misunderstood.
If there was anything I would change about the book, it would have been a better explanation of what the Cultural Revolution was all about, but from Ai Mi's point of view, she wrote it for those who were already living it.
This book had everything that I love in a book and the translation was also very well done with very few errors. Kudos to Ai Mi and to the translator, Anna Holmwood.
I understand that some people might think that Jingqiu was too naive, but one must consider the conditions under which she grew up:
1. She had a very protective mother who said so many things to her to scare her with statements like "you don't want to ruin your reputation" and "look at all the girls who have been ruined", "don't let boys mess with you", etc. without ever explaining to her how that could happen or what she meant.
2. She was living under an educational and government ruling system where children did not question their teachers or superiors, and where obedience was mandatory.
3. She was a hard worker who 'kept her nose to the grindstone' and so didn't discuss things with schoolmates or co-workers and her goal was to excel, not only in academics but in sports.
4. She didn't have the opportunity to see her father and mother in a normal husband/wife daily relationship, and it seems her only brother was 'sent to the country' when she was at a young age so she didn't have the guidance of having him around.
5. Her 'true love' also didn't explain things to her and seldom said what he actually meant. She was always second-guessing him and trying to figure out what he actually thought, based on things she had heard from her mother and others.
6. Adults in her circle of school and work also made comments to heard which were unclear and could be easily misunderstood.
If there was anything I would change about the book, it would have been a better explanation of what the Cultural Revolution was all about, but from Ai Mi's point of view, she wrote it for those who were already living it.
This book had everything that I love in a book and the translation was also very well done with very few errors. Kudos to Ai Mi and to the translator, Anna Holmwood.
February 17, 2013
Honestly this novel is just okay. It's not at all descriptive. Very dry. And for a western society it's very very distant. I studied Communist China as part of my undergrad degree in history, and found this story too lacking in reference for those outside of China. The novel the Family, does a better job teaching about this time period.
I found the girl very hard to relate to. Very dim witted, very naive to her own detriment, very very bi-polar in the use of her emotions, but then again she doesn't even know her emotions. I could not relate how she helps writes ppls love letters, see affairs, romances even pregnancy but is so afraid of everything romantic. I don't get it, girls talk they would learn from each other basic things like in order to get pregnant one does not just share a room.
She was just so worried all the time, and never seem to worry about the right things. It was almost depressing and made me dislike her.
Old third, was a well developed character. But as soon a he cut his hand I knew the ending. That was annoying.
All I remember is wanted to have a visual look of the hawthorn tree, and Old Third, instead I got a visual of factories and dilapidated houses, not the things that matter. I also wanted her to stop being so stupid!!! No one else seemed as stupid as she. Some may say ignorant or naive, but she was stupid, she jumped to conclusions and had no understanding of life, always took the negative, always went against her body and what ppl were telling her to be true.
I actually had to stop reading this novel 3/4 of the way through because she got to my nerves.
I like the ending, very beautiful. But I would have preferred certain things to be left out, because then one just thinks the author is actually telling a true story and then it pisses you off. Because how could a memoir have such a poorly developed self character.
I found the girl very hard to relate to. Very dim witted, very naive to her own detriment, very very bi-polar in the use of her emotions, but then again she doesn't even know her emotions. I could not relate how she helps writes ppls love letters, see affairs, romances even pregnancy but is so afraid of everything romantic. I don't get it, girls talk they would learn from each other basic things like in order to get pregnant one does not just share a room.
She was just so worried all the time, and never seem to worry about the right things. It was almost depressing and made me dislike her.
Old third, was a well developed character. But as soon a he cut his hand I knew the ending. That was annoying.
All I remember is wanted to have a visual look of the hawthorn tree, and Old Third, instead I got a visual of factories and dilapidated houses, not the things that matter. I also wanted her to stop being so stupid!!! No one else seemed as stupid as she. Some may say ignorant or naive, but she was stupid, she jumped to conclusions and had no understanding of life, always took the negative, always went against her body and what ppl were telling her to be true.
I actually had to stop reading this novel 3/4 of the way through because she got to my nerves.
I like the ending, very beautiful. But I would have preferred certain things to be left out, because then one just thinks the author is actually telling a true story and then it pisses you off. Because how could a memoir have such a poorly developed self character.
August 11, 2020
English review below
| FR |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Parfait, un des meilleurs livres que j'ai lu
Ce que j'ai aimé:
Le livre est basé sur les souvenirs réels de Jing Qiu (la narratrice) et cela donne une dimension bouleversante au récit. D'un point de vue culturel, c'est très intéressant de se rendre compte que ces situations pouvaient vraiment arriver.
Par ailleurs, le personnage de Lao San est vraiment incroyable. On ne peut y rester insensible et l'héroïne, elle aussi admirable par certains aspects, nous paraît souvent bien dûre avec lui. La fin du roman est vraiment un crève-coeur tant on s'attache aux personnages.
C'est sans aucun doute un des livres les plus intéressants et les plus humains que j'ai eu la chance de lire.
Ce que je n'ai pas aimé:
Le résumé de l'éditeur au dos du livre ne reflète pas vraiment le contenu et c'est dommage.
| EN |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Perfect, one of the best books I've ever read
What I liked:
The story is based on Jing Qiu's (the narrator) real life and that gave a very overwhelming aspect to the book. From a cultural point of view, it is also very interesting to realize these situations could really happen.
In addition, Lao San is an incredible character. It is impossible to be indifferent to him and the heroine, who is also admirable in many ways, often seems very harsh with him. The end of the story is absolutely heartbreaking because we are so attached to the characters.
Without any doubt, it is one of the most interesting and humane books I've ever read.
What I disliked:
The summary on the back cover doesn't reflect the content of the book and that's a shame.
| FR |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Parfait, un des meilleurs livres que j'ai lu
Ce que j'ai aimé:
Le livre est basé sur les souvenirs réels de Jing Qiu (la narratrice) et cela donne une dimension bouleversante au récit. D'un point de vue culturel, c'est très intéressant de se rendre compte que ces situations pouvaient vraiment arriver.
Par ailleurs, le personnage de Lao San est vraiment incroyable. On ne peut y rester insensible et l'héroïne, elle aussi admirable par certains aspects, nous paraît souvent bien dûre avec lui. La fin du roman est vraiment un crève-coeur tant on s'attache aux personnages.
C'est sans aucun doute un des livres les plus intéressants et les plus humains que j'ai eu la chance de lire.
Ce que je n'ai pas aimé:
Le résumé de l'éditeur au dos du livre ne reflète pas vraiment le contenu et c'est dommage.
| EN |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Perfect, one of the best books I've ever read
What I liked:
The story is based on Jing Qiu's (the narrator) real life and that gave a very overwhelming aspect to the book. From a cultural point of view, it is also very interesting to realize these situations could really happen.
In addition, Lao San is an incredible character. It is impossible to be indifferent to him and the heroine, who is also admirable in many ways, often seems very harsh with him. The end of the story is absolutely heartbreaking because we are so attached to the characters.
Without any doubt, it is one of the most interesting and humane books I've ever read.
What I disliked:
The summary on the back cover doesn't reflect the content of the book and that's a shame.
October 17, 2014
The cultural revolution in China, the struggle of a girl and her disgraced mother, and of course the tale of a poignant love story. Under the Hawthorn tree was a very enjoyable read, i was able gain some insight into the cultural and Chinese history. The novel also made me realise the situations to do with class and power.
I loved the romance, Ai Mi has a way of writing that causes one to be affected by such words of sincere gratitude, and the ardor that I have for these characters is a thing of utter beauty.
The ending however, did leave me angry and in tears. Old third <3
It did show me how love is such a huge aspect of ones life, and how it can break the boundaries of class.
I absolutely loved the sentences that 'Old third' says in this book.
'I can wait. As long as you want me to wait, as long as it doesn't make you unhappy, I can wait a lifetime.'
'You seem to think you're so insignificant, but the truth is you're so intelligent, beautiful, kind and decent, adorable. I can't be the first person to have fallen in love with you, and i won't be the last. But i do believe i will love you the most'
I loved the romance, Ai Mi has a way of writing that causes one to be affected by such words of sincere gratitude, and the ardor that I have for these characters is a thing of utter beauty.
The ending however, did leave me angry and in tears. Old third <3
It did show me how love is such a huge aspect of ones life, and how it can break the boundaries of class.
I absolutely loved the sentences that 'Old third' says in this book.
'I can wait. As long as you want me to wait, as long as it doesn't make you unhappy, I can wait a lifetime.'
'You seem to think you're so insignificant, but the truth is you're so intelligent, beautiful, kind and decent, adorable. I can't be the first person to have fallen in love with you, and i won't be the last. But i do believe i will love you the most'
January 30, 2016
Ce roman m'a fait passer un bon moment de lecture bien que je l'aie trouvé parfois long. Il était intéressant de se plonger dans une histoire qui se déroule dans un autre pays, à une époque précise, avec toutes ses règles. Les informations sont intéressantes, on apprend plein de choses et on réfléchit beaucoup. Essentiellement, il est question de deux personnages qui se rencontrent, se plaisent et qui vont devoir conjuguer leurs sentiments avec la société en place, mais surtout avec leur personnalité. Jing Qiu notre héroïne, du fait de son éducation, du fait de qui elle est, va être son plus grand ennemi, même si évidemment toutes les règles qui régissent sa vie compliquent énormément les choses de bases. Je m'attendais à un autre genre d'histoire et ça m'a fait un peu moins aimer ma lecture je pense, mais je l'ai quand même apprécié.
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2016/...
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2016/...
January 7, 2017
Overall, it was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed spending time with the characters - Jingxiu, so innocent , and Sun, so perfect. It was very easy to fall in love with the leading man. It's a simple, sad, love-cum-coming of age story set against a backdrop of complicated circumstances. As a reader who is not very knowledgeable of the cultural revolution and depths of communism in China, I also appreciated gaining some insight into this part of China's history.
I found the pacing slightly strange, however - it was difficult to get a sense of time in the book. It didn't affect the story too much, I guess, but it would have been a smoother read if the author managed to display how far in time their story stretched.
Worth a read - there's a movie too, which I watched right after I finished the book; it's also beautiful and it was great to see the landscapes and characters come to life.
I found the pacing slightly strange, however - it was difficult to get a sense of time in the book. It didn't affect the story too much, I guess, but it would have been a smoother read if the author managed to display how far in time their story stretched.
Worth a read - there's a movie too, which I watched right after I finished the book; it's also beautiful and it was great to see the landscapes and characters come to life.
September 2, 2017
Saw the movie and watched a tv adaptation of it. Both of which I cried at the ending which is rare for me. It takes place in the 70s and due to Cultural Revolution, China has made marked progress in the last 40 years. In the 70s, the conservative views of life was very much behind the rest of the world. What I despise is the belief back then of how a woman who became pregnant out of wedlock basically threw her future away, especially if the father of the child does not take responsibility. The woman was forced to marry someone (not of her choosing), an abusive man because she is now impure and has little choice in choosing a suitable husband. What angers me is the belief that women must marry and have a husband to take care of her or she won't survive on her own. The sad reality is in this present day, there is still a similar belief that a woman if not married cannot be happy in her own right.
March 3, 2023
Citaat :
Review : Een buslading vol studenten komt aan op het Chinese platteland. De jongeren hijsen hun bagage op de rug en beginnen aan een lange trektocht naar het dorp waar ze de volgende jaren van hun leven zullen doorbrengen. Zo ging het eraan tijdens de Culturele Revolutie, het initiatief waarmee Partijleider Mao midden jaren ’60 de restanten van de kapitalistische/rechtse oppositie in zijn land wou wegspoelen. Jonge mensen die voorheen aan de universiteit vrij ideeën wisselden en andere gedachten konden ontwikkelen dan de Partij propageerde, werden nu verplicht om tussen boeren en fabrieksarbeiders te gaan werken. Meer zelfs, als zonen en dochters van intellectuele ouders werden ze vaak meer in de gaten gehouden en moesten ze meer dan anderen oppassen dat ze de juiste indruk nalieten. Zo ging het ook met Jing, een onschuldig meisje van een jaar of 17. Ze zou dolgraag lerares worden maar ze weet dat ze daarvoor op een zeer slappe koord zal moeten wandelen. Haar familie geniet immers niet meteen een reputatie die haar carrière kan helpen. Haar vader zit al jaren in de gevangenis vanwege zijn foute ideeëngoed en haar moeder wordt scheef bekeken (om niet te zeggen vernederd) omdat ze te boek staat als iemand met kapitalistische sympathieën. Zelf heeft Jing geen politieke ambities of principes, behalve dan dat ze altijd netjes heeft gedaan wat de Partij haar opgelegd heeft. In het dorp waar ze terecht komt, gebeurt echter iets wat haar leven voorgoed zal veranderen. Ze leert er Sun, die als nickname 'Old Three' heeft, kennen. Sun is een lieve jongen uit een familie die wel bepaalde privileges geniet. Het is van bij het begin duidelijk dat de twee het met elkaar kunnen vinden en dat er een mooie liefdeshistorie zit aan te komen. Het probleem is alleen dat Jing zich geen relatie kan permitteren.
De werelberoemde Zhang Yimou, die ook de verfilming van het rode korenveld op zijn actief heeft staan, maakte van zijn verfilming Under the Hawthorne Tree een prachtig plaatjesboek met twee geliefden die elk aan een kant van de rivier staan, maar niet bij elkaar kunnen komen omdat het water te diep is. Maar in het boek van Ai Mi zit veel meer. Opgegroeid in China woont de auteur nu in de VS.
Ze schrijft in het Chinees en publiceerde delen uit deze roman online vanaf 2007. Het boek is een icoon geworden voor de nieuwe generatie Chinezen en vertelt een heel mooi liefdesverhaal waarin het durven nemen van beslissingen heel echter heel belangrijk is. Alle roem en vakmanschap van Zhang Yimou ten spijt is het boek veel sterker dan de film.
Review : Een buslading vol studenten komt aan op het Chinese platteland. De jongeren hijsen hun bagage op de rug en beginnen aan een lange trektocht naar het dorp waar ze de volgende jaren van hun leven zullen doorbrengen. Zo ging het eraan tijdens de Culturele Revolutie, het initiatief waarmee Partijleider Mao midden jaren ’60 de restanten van de kapitalistische/rechtse oppositie in zijn land wou wegspoelen. Jonge mensen die voorheen aan de universiteit vrij ideeën wisselden en andere gedachten konden ontwikkelen dan de Partij propageerde, werden nu verplicht om tussen boeren en fabrieksarbeiders te gaan werken. Meer zelfs, als zonen en dochters van intellectuele ouders werden ze vaak meer in de gaten gehouden en moesten ze meer dan anderen oppassen dat ze de juiste indruk nalieten. Zo ging het ook met Jing, een onschuldig meisje van een jaar of 17. Ze zou dolgraag lerares worden maar ze weet dat ze daarvoor op een zeer slappe koord zal moeten wandelen. Haar familie geniet immers niet meteen een reputatie die haar carrière kan helpen. Haar vader zit al jaren in de gevangenis vanwege zijn foute ideeëngoed en haar moeder wordt scheef bekeken (om niet te zeggen vernederd) omdat ze te boek staat als iemand met kapitalistische sympathieën. Zelf heeft Jing geen politieke ambities of principes, behalve dan dat ze altijd netjes heeft gedaan wat de Partij haar opgelegd heeft. In het dorp waar ze terecht komt, gebeurt echter iets wat haar leven voorgoed zal veranderen. Ze leert er Sun, die als nickname 'Old Three' heeft, kennen. Sun is een lieve jongen uit een familie die wel bepaalde privileges geniet. Het is van bij het begin duidelijk dat de twee het met elkaar kunnen vinden en dat er een mooie liefdeshistorie zit aan te komen. Het probleem is alleen dat Jing zich geen relatie kan permitteren.
De werelberoemde Zhang Yimou, die ook de verfilming van het rode korenveld op zijn actief heeft staan, maakte van zijn verfilming Under the Hawthorne Tree een prachtig plaatjesboek met twee geliefden die elk aan een kant van de rivier staan, maar niet bij elkaar kunnen komen omdat het water te diep is. Maar in het boek van Ai Mi zit veel meer. Opgegroeid in China woont de auteur nu in de VS.
Ze schrijft in het Chinees en publiceerde delen uit deze roman online vanaf 2007. Het boek is een icoon geworden voor de nieuwe generatie Chinezen en vertelt een heel mooi liefdesverhaal waarin het durven nemen van beslissingen heel echter heel belangrijk is. Alle roem en vakmanschap van Zhang Yimou ten spijt is het boek veel sterker dan de film.
May 18, 2020
Under the Hawthorn Tree is a the (autobiographical) tragic love story of the exemplary, dedicated young student Jing Qiu and the slightly older Lao San, set against the background of the Cultural Revolution in China,
The book is written from the perspective of the (very) naive Jing Qiu, who is sent to the countryside as a part of her education along with everyone else. She meets Lao San at the beginning of the book, from which point the reader learns what it was like to fall in love and come of age at a time when everyone was under continuous scrutiny and one misstep, or misplaced piece of gossip uttered by a jealous classmate or neighbour could affect could your entire future.
Jing Qiu is talented and shows promise, however her father was a 'capitalist landlord', and she and her mother live in poverty, whilst Lao San's is a commander of the People's Liberation Army. The difference in background forms an obstacle in their romance, and Jing Qiu tries to resist Lao San out of sheer fear, but eventually falls for him. Their growing relationship is set out in great detail, with many -sometimes unnecessary- asides, flashbacks and explanations that betray that this romance was autobiographical.
Ai Mi's style is as naive as Jing Qiu's character, which takes getting used to at first, but it's somehow appropriate for the time in which children were taken from their parents at a young age and thrown together to figure things out for themselves.
The last part of the book was a bit too drawn-out for my taste. The author withholds a vital piece of information until the very end, which left me both baffled and irritated as this twist was not in tune with the rest of the chronological, highly detailed, sometimes repetetive and over-explanatory prose. The epilogue remedies this, but still. As a sinologist who spent time in China for a year in the mid-eighties, I enjoyed the book as there are not yet many love stories set during the Cultural Revolution (outside China). I can well imagine that Zhang Yi-Muo, one of my favorite film directors, brought the story to the silver screen, and on reading the book, I do look forward to seeing it.
The book is written from the perspective of the (very) naive Jing Qiu, who is sent to the countryside as a part of her education along with everyone else. She meets Lao San at the beginning of the book, from which point the reader learns what it was like to fall in love and come of age at a time when everyone was under continuous scrutiny and one misstep, or misplaced piece of gossip uttered by a jealous classmate or neighbour could affect could your entire future.
Jing Qiu is talented and shows promise, however her father was a 'capitalist landlord', and she and her mother live in poverty, whilst Lao San's is a commander of the People's Liberation Army. The difference in background forms an obstacle in their romance, and Jing Qiu tries to resist Lao San out of sheer fear, but eventually falls for him. Their growing relationship is set out in great detail, with many -sometimes unnecessary- asides, flashbacks and explanations that betray that this romance was autobiographical.
Ai Mi's style is as naive as Jing Qiu's character, which takes getting used to at first, but it's somehow appropriate for the time in which children were taken from their parents at a young age and thrown together to figure things out for themselves.
The last part of the book was a bit too drawn-out for my taste. The author withholds a vital piece of information until the very end, which left me both baffled and irritated as this twist was not in tune with the rest of the chronological, highly detailed, sometimes repetetive and over-explanatory prose. The epilogue remedies this, but still. As a sinologist who spent time in China for a year in the mid-eighties, I enjoyed the book as there are not yet many love stories set during the Cultural Revolution (outside China). I can well imagine that Zhang Yi-Muo, one of my favorite film directors, brought the story to the silver screen, and on reading the book, I do look forward to seeing it.
June 3, 2022
This book is titled "Under the Hawthorn Tree," written by Ai Mi in 2011. This book mainly talks about Jingqiu, a young woman and Laotian, a young man, who fell in love with each other, but one eventually dies from illness.
I was first introduced to this book by my friend. I wasn't interested in this book as its book cover is not attractive, and the length is long. However, after reading this book, I couldn't stop myself. I want to investigate and read more about the romantic relationship between JingQiu and Laotian. The love story of JingQiu and Laosan is very pure and straightforward. The story does not have an intensive plot but rather a calm and serene storyline. JingQiu and Laotian love each other, but they are shy around each other. They are a young couple who have experiences hardships to come together.
The language of this novel is simple and poetic. For instance, "the song's image had given her was far more poetic and charming." "She heard from far off the sounds of an accordion. The low harming that made the song particularly beautiful." These quotes provide a calm and tranquil mood for the readers, as it creates an imagery of ordinary and rural.
However, the ending of this story is heartbreaking. I can't believe how a sweet, young, pure couple who had gone through hardships are separated because of death. Unfortunately, Laotian has died because of leukaemia. But he has been the man Jingqiu loved the most in her life. I recommend this story to teenagers who are interested in a romance novels.
I was first introduced to this book by my friend. I wasn't interested in this book as its book cover is not attractive, and the length is long. However, after reading this book, I couldn't stop myself. I want to investigate and read more about the romantic relationship between JingQiu and Laotian. The love story of JingQiu and Laosan is very pure and straightforward. The story does not have an intensive plot but rather a calm and serene storyline. JingQiu and Laotian love each other, but they are shy around each other. They are a young couple who have experiences hardships to come together.
The language of this novel is simple and poetic. For instance, "the song's image had given her was far more poetic and charming." "She heard from far off the sounds of an accordion. The low harming that made the song particularly beautiful." These quotes provide a calm and tranquil mood for the readers, as it creates an imagery of ordinary and rural.
However, the ending of this story is heartbreaking. I can't believe how a sweet, young, pure couple who had gone through hardships are separated because of death. Unfortunately, Laotian has died because of leukaemia. But he has been the man Jingqiu loved the most in her life. I recommend this story to teenagers who are interested in a romance novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
While it wasn't the best writing, I found this book beautiful, heartfelt, realistic under the circumstances, and romantic. The central character is a teenage girl and sometimes the book gets a little teenage-y with her naivety, fear, self-doubt and sometimes egocentric behavior, but that is part of the realism in my eyes. The book was first published on a blog and is supposedly based on a real story and a real diary. Also, the fact that it is so popular, perhaps particularly in China, is interesting. It might be due to continued limited political/ideological freedom, but the context of the Cultural Revolution and its victims seems to be romanticized. The endured unsafety, poverty and brutality seem intended to heighten the readers' esteem for these characters and is presented as an unfortunate side-effect of a communist ideal. I would have liked a little more detail and realism regarding the cultural and historical context, but at the same time it added to the feeling of reading a real teenage girl's diary. The ending was heartbreaking and I won't forget this book easily.
July 14, 2012
Δεν ξέρω τι περίμενα όταν ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω "To Δέντρο Με Τα Λευκά Άνθη". Σίγουρα, όχι μια ιστορία η οποία θα κατάφερνε μέσα από την άπλετη απλότητά της να με συγκινήσει τόσο πολύ, κάνοντάς με να την σκέφτομαι ξανά και ξανά, ακόμα και μέρες μετά το πέρας της ανάγνωσής της. Ίσως να οφείλεται εν μέρη στο γεγονός ότι πρόκειται για μια αληθινή ιστορία. Ίσως πάλι να οφείλεται στο ότι η συγγραφέας του βιβλίου, Ai Mi, κατάφερε να μεταφέρει στο χαρτί με τόση αλήθεια και συναίσθημα την ιστορία που της αφηγήθηκε η πρωταγωνίστριά της, Τζινγκ Τσιόου, μια ιστορία βαθιάς και πραγματικής αγάπης, που ακόμα και με το πέρασμα των χρόνων δεν κατάφερε τίποτα να την κάνει να εξασθενίσει. Βασισμένη λοιπόν στα λόγια αλλά και τα ημερολόγια της Τζινγκ Τσιόου, η Ai Mi μας μεταφέρει μέσα από τα δικά της μάτια την ιστορία δύο ανθρώπων που αγαπήθηκαν πολύ, ακόμα και σε μια εποχή και σε ένα μέρος που το να καρποφορήσει μια σχέση και να αποκτήσει δυνατές ρίζες δεν ήταν τόσο εύκολο.
Βρισκόμαστε στην περίοδο της Πολιτιστικής Επανάστασης της Κίνας όπου η Τζινγκ Τσιόου, στα πλαίσια των μαθησιακών της δραστηριοτήτων μεταφέρεται μαζί με κάποιους συμμαθητές και δασκάλους της σε μια ορεινή επαρχιακή περιοχή της Κίνας προκειμένου να συγκεντρώσουν στοιχεία από τους κατοίκους της, συγγράφοντας ένα κεφάλαιο της ιστορίας του τόπου τους. Εκεί θα γνωρίζει τον Λάο Σαν, νεαρό γιο ενός αξιωματικού του στρατού. Οι δύο νέοι θα έρθουν κοντά πολύ γρήγορα και μεταξύ τους θα γεννηθεί ένας μεγάλος έρωτας που ωστόσο, δεν επιτρέπεται να εκφραστεί ανοιχτά και ξεκάθαρα, εξαιτίας της νοοτροπίας που επικρατεί σε ολόκληρη τη χώρα. Άλλωστε η Τζινγκ Τσιόου προέρχεται από μια οικογένεια η οποία φέρει πάνω της το πολιτικό στίγμα της εποχής, με τον πατέρα της να έχει εξοριστεί με την κατηγορία ότι είναι καπιταλιστής. Σύντομα ο καιρός περνάει και η νεαρή κοπέλα επιστρέφει στην καθημερινότητά της πιστεύοντας ότι η ιστορία της με τον Λάο Σαν ξεκίνησε πριν καν αρχίσει.
Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου ζει μια δύσκολη καθημερινότητα, παρά το γεγονός ότι είναι μια άριστη μαθήτρια και ικανότατη με ότι κι αν καταπιαστεί. Η οικογένειά της μόλις και μετά βίας καταφέρνει να τα βγάζει πέρα. Η μητέρα της είναι σοβαρά άρρωστη, γεγονός που μειώνει το οικογενειακό εισόδημα, ο πατέρας της βρίσκεται πολύ μακριά, ο αδερφός της το ίδιο, δημιουργώντας περισσότερα χρέη παρά οφέλη για την οικογένεια ενώ η μικρότερη αδερφή της δεν μπορεί και δεν σκοπεύει η ίδια να την αφήσει να εργαστεί. Η ίδια καταφεύγει σε περιστασιακές εργασίες όταν της δίνεται ευκαιρία των οποίων όμως οι συνθήκες, όχι μόνο δεν είναι κατάλληλες για ένα κορίτσι της ηλικίας της αλλά, πολλές φορές είναι σκληρές και επώδυνες και πάντα κακοπληρωμένες. Έχει όμως την ικανοποίηση ότι μπορεί να προσφέρει και πάνω απ' όλα, ότι δεν αφήνει την περηφάνια της να πέσει θύμα εκείνων που πιθανότατα να θέλουν να την εκμεταλλευτούν. Ωστόσο ο Λάο Σαν είναι πάντα εκεί, βρίσκεται κοντά της όσο περισσότερο του επιτρέπεται και προσπαθεί με κάθε τρόπο να την βοηθήσει.
Καθώς ξετυλίγεται η ιστορία γινόμαστε μάρτυρες των κοινωνικοπολιτικών εξελίξεων της Κίνας. Είναι μια ταραγμένη εποχή όπου είναι ευκολότερο από ποτέ να κατηγορηθεί κάποιος ως προδότης της χώρας, καταδικάζοντας έτσι τον ίδιο του τον εαυτό και την οικογένειά του στην περιθωριοποίηση και την κατακραυγή. Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου φοβούμενη τα παραπάνω, δεν αφήνεται ευθύς εξ' αρχής έρμαιο των συναισθημάτων της. Όσο καλές κι αν φαίνονται οι προθέσεις του Λάο Σαν, όσο ειλικρινής κι αν φαντάζει στα μάτια της, δεν ξεχνά ποτέ τους φόβους με τους οποίους μεγάλωσε. Πάντα υπάρχει κάποιος για να σε εκμεταλλευτεί μέχρι να κερδίσει αυτό που θέλει από σένα, αφήνοντάς σε τελικά μόνη σου να αντιμετωπίσεις τα βάσανα και τις κακουχίες, προσθέτοντάς σου μάλιστα περισσότερα προβλήματα και αφήνοντας πάνω σου ένα στίγμα που δεν θα φύγει ποτέ. Και η ίδια μπορεί να έχει ανάγκη να αγαπήσει και να αγαπηθεί, έχει όμως την ίδια ανάγκη να προστατέψει την οικογένειά της, τουλάχιστον όσο περισσότερο μπορεί.
Η Ai Mi μας μεταφέρει μια συγκλονιστική ιστορία, που όσο απλή και κοινότοπη κι αν φαντάζει, δεν είναι καθόλου. Δεν μιλάει για μια σχέση που δοκιμάζεται μόνο από την κοινωνική διαφορά των οικογενειών των δύο νέων αλλά, για μια σχέση που μπορεί να κατακριθεί ακόμα και από το ίδιο τους το κράτος. Οι αφορμές για κάτι τέτοιο υπάρχουν και δεν είναι λίγοι εκείνοι που θα έψαχναν τις αιτίες που θα οδηγούσαν στην καταστροφή. Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου αμφιταλαντεύεται συνεχώς, δέχεται νέες πληροφορίες που την κάνουν να αμφισβητεί την ηθική και την αγάπη του Λάο Σαν όμως αυτό είναι πάντα εκεί, επιμένει και καταφέρνει να διώχνει τα μαύρα σύννεφα από τις σκέψεις της. Η αγάπη του είναι τόσο ειλικρινής και ανιδιοτελής που φτάνει στο σημείο να κάνει ύστατες και υπέρτατες θυσίες, διακινδυνεύοντας ακόμα και το να καταστρέψει όλα όσα πάσχισε να χτίσει, μόνο για να την κρατήσει μακριά από τον πόνο και την θλίψη.
"Το Δέντρο Με Τα Λευκά Άνθη" δεν είναι μόνο ένα βιβλίο, δεν είναι μόνο ένας τίτλος. Είναι ένα σύμβολο δύναμης, πίστης, αφοσίωσης και αγάπης. Είναι μια υπόσχεση πως ότι κι αν συμβεί, δεν πρέπει να εγκαταλείψεις, γιατί μονάχα αν το κάνεις και αφεθείς, μπορεί κάτι να χαθεί για πάντα. Είναι ένα μέσο από το οποίο μπορείς να αντλήσεις κουράγιο, η ελπίδα πως όσο άσχημα κι αν πηγαίνουν τα πράγματα, πάντα υπάρχει κάτι καλύτερο να σε περιμένει στο τέλος μιας μακρινής διαδρομής. Είναι μια ιστορία για την πηγαία, ανιδιοτελή αγάπη άνευ όρων, για το συναίσθημα εκείνο που γεννάτε βαθιά μέσα μας και καμία δυστυχία δεν μπορεί να σβήσει. Είναι η αγάπη εκείνη που μας καθοδηγεί σε όλη την πορεία της ζωής μας, μέχρι αυτή να φτάσει στο τέλος της και ακόμα παραπέρα. Γιατί όταν μπορείς να μεταφέρεις ένα κομμάτι σου σε κάποιον άλλον, ποτέ δεν χάνεσαι και το ίδιο ισχύει και για τα αισθήματα που έχεις νιώσει. Πραγματικά αξίζει να το διαβάσετε και όταν έρθει η ώρα, να παρακολουθήσετε και την ταινία η οποία και βασίστηκε στο βιβλίο.
Βρισκόμαστε στην περίοδο της Πολιτιστικής Επανάστασης της Κίνας όπου η Τζινγκ Τσιόου, στα πλαίσια των μαθησιακών της δραστηριοτήτων μεταφέρεται μαζί με κάποιους συμμαθητές και δασκάλους της σε μια ορεινή επαρχιακή περιοχή της Κίνας προκειμένου να συγκεντρώσουν στοιχεία από τους κατοίκους της, συγγράφοντας ένα κεφάλαιο της ιστορίας του τόπου τους. Εκεί θα γνωρίζει τον Λάο Σαν, νεαρό γιο ενός αξιωματικού του στρατού. Οι δύο νέοι θα έρθουν κοντά πολύ γρήγορα και μεταξύ τους θα γεννηθεί ένας μεγάλος έρωτας που ωστόσο, δεν επιτρέπεται να εκφραστεί ανοιχτά και ξεκάθαρα, εξαιτίας της νοοτροπίας που επικρατεί σε ολόκληρη τη χώρα. Άλλωστε η Τζινγκ Τσιόου προέρχεται από μια οικογένεια η οποία φέρει πάνω της το πολιτικό στίγμα της εποχής, με τον πατέρα της να έχει εξοριστεί με την κατηγορία ότι είναι καπιταλιστής. Σύντομα ο καιρός περνάει και η νεαρή κοπέλα επιστρέφει στην καθημερινότητά της πιστεύοντας ότι η ιστορία της με τον Λάο Σαν ξεκίνησε πριν καν αρχίσει.
Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου ζει μια δύσκολη καθημερινότητα, παρά το γεγονός ότι είναι μια άριστη μαθήτρια και ικανότατη με ότι κι αν καταπιαστεί. Η οικογένειά της μόλις και μετά βίας καταφέρνει να τα βγάζει πέρα. Η μητέρα της είναι σοβαρά άρρωστη, γεγονός που μειώνει το οικογενειακό εισόδημα, ο πατέρας της βρίσκεται πολύ μακριά, ο αδερφός της το ίδιο, δημιουργώντας περισσότερα χρέη παρά οφέλη για την οικογένεια ενώ η μικρότερη αδερφή της δεν μπορεί και δεν σκοπεύει η ίδια να την αφήσει να εργαστεί. Η ίδια καταφεύγει σε περιστασιακές εργασίες όταν της δίνεται ευκαιρία των οποίων όμως οι συνθήκες, όχι μόνο δεν είναι κατάλληλες για ένα κορίτσι της ηλικίας της αλλά, πολλές φορές είναι σκληρές και επώδυνες και πάντα κακοπληρωμένες. Έχει όμως την ικανοποίηση ότι μπορεί να προσφέρει και πάνω απ' όλα, ότι δεν αφήνει την περηφάνια της να πέσει θύμα εκείνων που πιθανότατα να θέλουν να την εκμεταλλευτούν. Ωστόσο ο Λάο Σαν είναι πάντα εκεί, βρίσκεται κοντά της όσο περισσότερο του επιτρέπεται και προσπαθεί με κάθε τρόπο να την βοηθήσει.
Καθώς ξετυλίγεται η ιστορία γινόμαστε μάρτυρες των κοινωνικοπολιτικών εξελίξεων της Κίνας. Είναι μια ταραγμένη εποχή όπου είναι ευκολότερο από ποτέ να κατηγορηθεί κάποιος ως προδότης της χώρας, καταδικάζοντας έτσι τον ίδιο του τον εαυτό και την οικογένειά του στην περιθωριοποίηση και την κατακραυγή. Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου φοβούμενη τα παραπάνω, δεν αφήνεται ευθύς εξ' αρχής έρμαιο των συναισθημάτων της. Όσο καλές κι αν φαίνονται οι προθέσεις του Λάο Σαν, όσο ειλικρινής κι αν φαντάζει στα μάτια της, δεν ξεχνά ποτέ τους φόβους με τους οποίους μεγάλωσε. Πάντα υπάρχει κάποιος για να σε εκμεταλλευτεί μέχρι να κερδίσει αυτό που θέλει από σένα, αφήνοντάς σε τελικά μόνη σου να αντιμετωπίσεις τα βάσανα και τις κακουχίες, προσθέτοντάς σου μάλιστα περισσότερα προβλήματα και αφήνοντας πάνω σου ένα στίγμα που δεν θα φύγει ποτέ. Και η ίδια μπορεί να έχει ανάγκη να αγαπήσει και να αγαπηθεί, έχει όμως την ίδια ανάγκη να προστατέψει την οικογένειά της, τουλάχιστον όσο περισσότερο μπορεί.
Η Ai Mi μας μεταφέρει μια συγκλονιστική ιστορία, που όσο απλή και κοινότοπη κι αν φαντάζει, δεν είναι καθόλου. Δεν μιλάει για μια σχέση που δοκιμάζεται μόνο από την κοινωνική διαφορά των οικογενειών των δύο νέων αλλά, για μια σχέση που μπορεί να κατακριθεί ακόμα και από το ίδιο τους το κράτος. Οι αφορμές για κάτι τέτοιο υπάρχουν και δεν είναι λίγοι εκείνοι που θα έψαχναν τις αιτίες που θα οδηγούσαν στην καταστροφή. Η Τζινγκ Τσιόου αμφιταλαντεύεται συνεχώς, δέχεται νέες πληροφορίες που την κάνουν να αμφισβητεί την ηθική και την αγάπη του Λάο Σαν όμως αυτό είναι πάντα εκεί, επιμένει και καταφέρνει να διώχνει τα μαύρα σύννεφα από τις σκέψεις της. Η αγάπη του είναι τόσο ειλικρινής και ανιδιοτελής που φτάνει στο σημείο να κάνει ύστατες και υπέρτατες θυσίες, διακινδυνεύοντας ακόμα και το να καταστρέψει όλα όσα πάσχισε να χτίσει, μόνο για να την κρατήσει μακριά από τον πόνο και την θλίψη.
"Το Δέντρο Με Τα Λευκά Άνθη" δεν είναι μόνο ένα βιβλίο, δεν είναι μόνο ένας τίτλος. Είναι ένα σύμβολο δύναμης, πίστης, αφοσίωσης και αγάπης. Είναι μια υπόσχεση πως ότι κι αν συμβεί, δεν πρέπει να εγκαταλείψεις, γιατί μονάχα αν το κάνεις και αφεθείς, μπορεί κάτι να χαθεί για πάντα. Είναι ένα μέσο από το οποίο μπορείς να αντλήσεις κουράγιο, η ελπίδα πως όσο άσχημα κι αν πηγαίνουν τα πράγματα, πάντα υπάρχει κάτι καλύτερο να σε περιμένει στο τέλος μιας μακρινής διαδρομής. Είναι μια ιστορία για την πηγαία, ανιδιοτελή αγάπη άνευ όρων, για το συναίσθημα εκείνο που γεννάτε βαθιά μέσα μας και καμία δυστυχία δεν μπορεί να σβήσει. Είναι η αγάπη εκείνη που μας καθοδηγεί σε όλη την πορεία της ζωής μας, μέχρι αυτή να φτάσει στο τέλος της και ακόμα παραπέρα. Γιατί όταν μπορείς να μεταφέρεις ένα κομμάτι σου σε κάποιον άλλον, ποτέ δεν χάνεσαι και το ίδιο ισχύει και για τα αισθήματα που έχεις νιώσει. Πραγματικά αξίζει να το διαβάσετε και όταν έρθει η ώρα, να παρακολουθήσετε και την ταινία η οποία και βασίστηκε στο βιβλίο.
February 7, 2018
I know this was supposed to be a wonderful novel about a poignant love story set against the Cultural Revolution in China. And it was.....but, it also was very similiar to other stories set in the time of the Cultural Revolution in China. The autobiographical Wild Swans comes to mind, but of course there have been others....
Jingqui, an innocent young woman from a poor and politically questionable family in the city, is selected as one of a small group of students to be sent to the countryside to work on a glorious new education project that will further the Cultural Revolution.....does this story sound familiar to other stories in the genre....????
Perhaps at a later time I might be able to read this again....
Jingqui, an innocent young woman from a poor and politically questionable family in the city, is selected as one of a small group of students to be sent to the countryside to work on a glorious new education project that will further the Cultural Revolution.....does this story sound familiar to other stories in the genre....????
Perhaps at a later time I might be able to read this again....
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