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There are currently 36 member reviews
for Peach Blossom Spring
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Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)
Beautiful Writing, Moving Story
I absolutely loved this book. The author, Melissa Fu, was able to evoke a time and place I am wholly unfamiliar with by using language as delicate and precise as the artistry of the Chinese hand scroll that figures so prominently in Meilin's story. Even Henry, whose inability to move beyond his own fears was frustrating at times, was rendered with such sympathy that you are always aware of how his difficult past was impacting his present. A really moving glimpse into a different culture.
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Jessamyn R. (Odenton, MD)
Recommend!
The only thing that disappointed me about this book was that it ended. I wanted more time with Meilin, Henry, Rachel, and Lily. Great pick for those who love historical fiction, family/generational story arcs, and stories about the power of story telling.
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Janet O. (Beaverton, OR)
Peach Blossom Spring
Against a backdrop of war, political upheaval and human displacement, readers are introduced to Meilin and her young son Renshu. The story begins in 1938 when the family is forced to flee their home in Hunan Province and begin a long and perilous journey which ultimately ends in Taiwan. Faced with the violence of war, extreme poverty, betrayal and a country in chaos, one marvels at the courage and resiliency of Meilin and the talent and dedication of Renshu. Historical fiction is at its best when the author is able to create parallel narratives for the characters and for the specific time and place in which the novel unfolds. Melissa Fu excels at both of these tasks which makes reading Peach Blossom Spring an engaging and memorable experience.
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Nancy K. (Perrysburg, OH)
Wonderful Book
I highly recommend Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu. It is hard to believe that this is her first novel as it has all the ingredients of a first rate historical fiction story. By that I mean the book explains to the reader why the Chinese hated the Japanese for many years by telling it in a love story between a mother and son over many years. From China to Taiwan to finally the United States. Intermixed are very interesting short but powerful folktales.
This is a story of immigrants and war but above all love of family. It would make an excellent book for Book Clubs to read and discuss particularly those who enjoyed reading Wild Swans.
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Diane S. (El Paso, TX)
Moving and Beautifully Written
All my life, I've only know mainland China as a communist government, but I never knew how that came about. Reading "Peach Blossom Spring" by Melissa Fu opened my eyes to the brutal history of China's war with Japan in 1938, the subsequent communist takeover of mainland China, and the displacement of so many Chinese citizens to Taiwan and elsewhere. "Peach Blossom Spring" is a moving and beautifully written story that traces one family's battle to overcome impossible odds, their fight to survive and begin anew, their difficulties in dealing with the past, and their struggle to adjust and belong.
The strength of these well-drawn characters takes my breath away, and their story will stay with me forever. I highly recommend "Peach Blossom Spring" to readers who appreciate well-researched historical fiction and a memorable story of resilience.
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Mimi - East Hampton, CT
Peach Blossom Spring is a beautiful book
I just loved this book. It is a beautiful family story that starts in China when Japan invades China. Meilin and her son Renshu must leave their home where they had lived with comfort and even luxury. They travel with Wenling and her children to several places in China trying to stay ahead of the war. There are family issues and eventually Meilin and Renshu travel alone. Renshu is just a young boy. Meilin has so much strength in finding her way eventually to Taiwan. Renshu goes to school and eventually earns a scholarship to Northeastern University in America and changes his name to Henry. He meets Rachel during his college years, and they marry and have a daughter, Lily. Lily wants to know about the Chinese side of her family, but Henry is unable to talk about his life in China. Meilin comes to America only once. In some ways it is such a sad story of how a family loses their identity and become afraid of the political aspect of their native country. Yet it is a beautiful story of the evolution of a family and the changes that come as a result of their opportunities. I have read several books of fiction about China, notably The Good Earth, The Shanghai Girls and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and this book stands right up there with these books. I would recommend it to those who like family sagas and want to learn about other cultures. Thanks to BookBrowse for sending me this book.
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Gina V. (Mesa, AZ)
Impressive debut novel
This heartbreaking and inspirational novel enlightened me to a period of history I didn't know much about - the Japanese invasion of China. It reminded me a bit of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah in regard to the bonds of family and the choices you make and lengths you go to to keep them safe, along with questioning whether those choices turn out to be the right ones when you see the effects they have down the line. The novel also illuminates the power of storytelling to keep traditions and history alive. I really enjoyed the book and think it would be great for a book club discussion.
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