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ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
Thank you to Riverhead Books for the gifted ARC
In the 1930s, during Japanese occupation, Korean long-distance runner Lee Woo-cheol is a contender for the Tokyo Olympics. But he has to run under the Japanese flag. Under these oppressions, the Lee family has to find a way to survive the unimaginable.
END OF AUGUST covers similar background as PACHINKO (Min Jin Lee), focusing on the lives of one Korean family across generations under Japanese occupation. But compared to PACHINKO, the writing is more experimental, sometimes fragmented, and has a more slice-of-life style. As such, readers might take a while to get accustomed to Yū's storytelling.
The loss of name and nation is a focal point in END OF AUGUST. There are several chapters where the characters are referred to by their Japanese names instead of Korean ones without any notes. I wonder if this is to represent the fracture of an individual's identity. How do you pass on your legacy when one's nationality is stripped, forbidden to use their name, and prohibited from discussing family history?
I deeply resonated with this theme as Taiwan, too, experienced Japanese rule for 50 years and, even to this day, can't use "Taiwan" or its flag in any international organizations/competitions.
Losing your independence, nationality, name, and identity is like losing your anchor. What can you do except run away from that immense loss? Yū brilliantly weaves in themes of loss and grief through the characters' long-distance runs and explores running away from trauma vs. towards freedom.
I also adore the relationships between the Lee brothers and Yū's inclusion of the harrowing experiences of comfort women & girls. WW2 stories sometimes end as the war ends and the people are "liberated." But in the case of END OF AUGUST, Yū also covers the insurmountable challenges after Korean liberation.
For a book clocking at 700+ pages, the first two chapters are quite intimidating, as the readers are introduced to various characters and an almost stream-of-consciousness writing style. I wasn't sure where the story was going even halfway through the book. But I'm glad I stuck to the end, as I became invested in the story of the Lee brothers. There are A LOT of triggers in this book, so definitely check that before reading.
END OF AUGUST is a profound story of generational trauma and healing that moved me to tears but might not be for everyone. I recommend this book to those who have tried slimmer translated Japanese novels and enjoy the writing style and to those interested in learning more about Korean history.
In the 1930s, during Japanese occupation, Korean long-distance runner Lee Woo-cheol is a contender for the Tokyo Olympics. But he has to run under the Japanese flag. Under these oppressions, the Lee family has to find a way to survive the unimaginable.
END OF AUGUST covers similar background as PACHINKO (Min Jin Lee), focusing on the lives of one Korean family across generations under Japanese occupation. But compared to PACHINKO, the writing is more experimental, sometimes fragmented, and has a more slice-of-life style. As such, readers might take a while to get accustomed to Yū's storytelling.
The loss of name and nation is a focal point in END OF AUGUST. There are several chapters where the characters are referred to by their Japanese names instead of Korean ones without any notes. I wonder if this is to represent the fracture of an individual's identity. How do you pass on your legacy when one's nationality is stripped, forbidden to use their name, and prohibited from discussing family history?
I deeply resonated with this theme as Taiwan, too, experienced Japanese rule for 50 years and, even to this day, can't use "Taiwan" or its flag in any international organizations/competitions.
Losing your independence, nationality, name, and identity is like losing your anchor. What can you do except run away from that immense loss? Yū brilliantly weaves in themes of loss and grief through the characters' long-distance runs and explores running away from trauma vs. towards freedom.
I also adore the relationships between the Lee brothers and Yū's inclusion of the harrowing experiences of comfort women & girls. WW2 stories sometimes end as the war ends and the people are "liberated." But in the case of END OF AUGUST, Yū also covers the insurmountable challenges after Korean liberation.
For a book clocking at 700+ pages, the first two chapters are quite intimidating, as the readers are introduced to various characters and an almost stream-of-consciousness writing style. I wasn't sure where the story was going even halfway through the book. But I'm glad I stuck to the end, as I became invested in the story of the Lee brothers. There are A LOT of triggers in this book, so definitely check that before reading.
END OF AUGUST is a profound story of generational trauma and healing that moved me to tears but might not be for everyone. I recommend this book to those who have tried slimmer translated Japanese novels and enjoy the writing style and to those interested in learning more about Korean history.
Thank you to Henry Holt for the gifted ARC
After decades apart, high school sweethearts Fletcher Dukes and Altovise Benson reunite. But between them lies a mountain of lies and a family talisman—monkeys carved from peach seeds given to Dukes boys—that holds a family on the brink of falling apart.
PEACH SEED is a multigenerational saga that focuses on the men in the Dukes family, connecting characters across time and space to the peach seed monkey. Jumping between time and space, I sometimes have to read into the chapters to figure out the timing of events.
I love that Jones explores the meaning of family, the backdrop of the civil rights movement, and her inclusion of Black women in the story. I particularly love Aunt Olga, the family matriarch who is the light for all the lost men in PEACH SEED, emphasizing the importance of giving Black women their dues and acknowledging their importance in healing broken families.
"Family is both/blood and duty" at its core, PEACH SEED is a beautiful and profound story celebrating the power of unconditional and familial love.
After decades apart, high school sweethearts Fletcher Dukes and Altovise Benson reunite. But between them lies a mountain of lies and a family talisman—monkeys carved from peach seeds given to Dukes boys—that holds a family on the brink of falling apart.
PEACH SEED is a multigenerational saga that focuses on the men in the Dukes family, connecting characters across time and space to the peach seed monkey. Jumping between time and space, I sometimes have to read into the chapters to figure out the timing of events.
I love that Jones explores the meaning of family, the backdrop of the civil rights movement, and her inclusion of Black women in the story. I particularly love Aunt Olga, the family matriarch who is the light for all the lost men in PEACH SEED, emphasizing the importance of giving Black women their dues and acknowledging their importance in healing broken families.
"Family is both/blood and duty" at its core, PEACH SEED is a beautiful and profound story celebrating the power of unconditional and familial love.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the gifted ALC
In this searing memoir, global humanitarian Eddie Ndopu details his experience studying at Oxford University. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, doctors didn’t expect Eddie to live beyond five. But he has exceeded expectations by thriving as a queer Black individual with limited physical mobility living in a heteronormative, racist, and ableist world.
I appreciate how DOM PÉRIGNON gives me a glimpse of what it actually takes for a disabled person to navigate systems designed for able-bodied individuals. This book starts with Ndopu receiving a scholarship to attend grad school in Oxford—when most people will consider this as a happy ever after, the journey is far from smooth. Upon enrollment, Ndopu realizes he needs to find accommodations, fight for adequate care, and fundraise for his insufficient scholarship coverage.
DOM PÉRIGNON is a courageous and authentic memoir and should be required reading for all non-disabled people to glimpse how many hoops those with physical constraints have to jump through just to get a fair shot at education.
In this searing memoir, global humanitarian Eddie Ndopu details his experience studying at Oxford University. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, doctors didn’t expect Eddie to live beyond five. But he has exceeded expectations by thriving as a queer Black individual with limited physical mobility living in a heteronormative, racist, and ableist world.
I appreciate how DOM PÉRIGNON gives me a glimpse of what it actually takes for a disabled person to navigate systems designed for able-bodied individuals. This book starts with Ndopu receiving a scholarship to attend grad school in Oxford—when most people will consider this as a happy ever after, the journey is far from smooth. Upon enrollment, Ndopu realizes he needs to find accommodations, fight for adequate care, and fundraise for his insufficient scholarship coverage.
DOM PÉRIGNON is a courageous and authentic memoir and should be required reading for all non-disabled people to glimpse how many hoops those with physical constraints have to jump through just to get a fair shot at education.
In the charming small town of Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania, Jewish and Black families live side by side. At its heart, Moshe and Chona Ludlow operate an integrated theater and grocery store alongside their trusted employees, Nate and Addie Timblin. However, when the State decides to institutionalize a deaf Black child, Nate and Chona take a stand to protect the boy, setting off a series of heartwarming acts of kindness from those living on the fringes of white Christian America, complete with unexpected twists and turns.
HEAVEN AND EARTH is a touching tale that beautifully illustrates the solidarity between the Black and Jewish communities during the 1920s. McBride's writing is both compelling and engaging, infused with a delightful blend of humor and candor reminiscent of the works of Amor Towles and Tania James. The depth and breadth of the characters are truly praiseworthy, each grappling with their own struggles against the oppressive forces of white supremacy. While the story primarily revolves around the Ludlows and Timblins, the supporting characters are equally well-developed; McBride's ability to make them shine in their own right is nothing short of remarkable.
One aspect that stands out is McBride's exploration of the Jewish congregation, where some seek assimilation and white acceptance (that will sadly never materialize) while others embrace Black solidarity. Furthermore, the inclusion of disabled characters sheds light on the State's inexplicable violence against those who experience the world differently.
McBride dedicates this captivating book to Sy Friend, the retired director of The Variety Club Camp for Handicapped Children in Worcester, PA. Having worked at the camp for four summers during college, McBride draws inspiration from his experience there to weave a story brimming with life & love.
HEAVEN AND EARTH is a truly phenomenal narrative that centers around a compelling mystery while being beautifully complemented by its exquisitely crafted cast of characters. The book deftly delves into historical racial tensions. Yet, it is brimming with heartwarming moments that will leave a lasting impression. I wholeheartedly recommend this gorgeous book to everyone; it's a must-read that captures the essence of compassion and empathy and deserves to be cherished by readers far and wide.
HEAVEN AND EARTH is a touching tale that beautifully illustrates the solidarity between the Black and Jewish communities during the 1920s. McBride's writing is both compelling and engaging, infused with a delightful blend of humor and candor reminiscent of the works of Amor Towles and Tania James. The depth and breadth of the characters are truly praiseworthy, each grappling with their own struggles against the oppressive forces of white supremacy. While the story primarily revolves around the Ludlows and Timblins, the supporting characters are equally well-developed; McBride's ability to make them shine in their own right is nothing short of remarkable.
One aspect that stands out is McBride's exploration of the Jewish congregation, where some seek assimilation and white acceptance (that will sadly never materialize) while others embrace Black solidarity. Furthermore, the inclusion of disabled characters sheds light on the State's inexplicable violence against those who experience the world differently.
McBride dedicates this captivating book to Sy Friend, the retired director of The Variety Club Camp for Handicapped Children in Worcester, PA. Having worked at the camp for four summers during college, McBride draws inspiration from his experience there to weave a story brimming with life & love.
HEAVEN AND EARTH is a truly phenomenal narrative that centers around a compelling mystery while being beautifully complemented by its exquisitely crafted cast of characters. The book deftly delves into historical racial tensions. Yet, it is brimming with heartwarming moments that will leave a lasting impression. I wholeheartedly recommend this gorgeous book to everyone; it's a must-read that captures the essence of compassion and empathy and deserves to be cherished by readers far and wide.
Thank you to Ecco Books for the gifted ARC
In this short story collection following the lives of Asians & Asian Americans, Chang explores our relationships with one another through history, magical realism, and technology. Where does one’s life end and another begin?
I adore Chang’s sophomore book and am amazed by the breadth of topics she covers in TOMB SWEEPING. While individual short stories in a collection can sometimes be repetitive/forgettable, every chapter in TOMB SWEEPING is unique and intriguing.
I particularly love Chang’s excavation of death and how we memorialize it. In Unknown By Unknown, a woman grapples with the death of her career; Farewell, Hank imagines where we go after death and ponders the significance of it; Klara shows the death of a friendship as two friends enter adulthood; Me and My Algo describes the death of innocence as our lives get increasingly intertwined with tech.
The titular story examines the rippling effects of wartime deaths and asks the readers: can we truly escape from wrongful deaths and generational trauma?
TOMB SWEEPING is a brilliant and poignant short story collection that will stay with me long after finishing it. Congratulations to Chang on her sophomore novel; she has quickly become my auto-buy author, and I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
In this short story collection following the lives of Asians & Asian Americans, Chang explores our relationships with one another through history, magical realism, and technology. Where does one’s life end and another begin?
I adore Chang’s sophomore book and am amazed by the breadth of topics she covers in TOMB SWEEPING. While individual short stories in a collection can sometimes be repetitive/forgettable, every chapter in TOMB SWEEPING is unique and intriguing.
I particularly love Chang’s excavation of death and how we memorialize it. In Unknown By Unknown, a woman grapples with the death of her career; Farewell, Hank imagines where we go after death and ponders the significance of it; Klara shows the death of a friendship as two friends enter adulthood; Me and My Algo describes the death of innocence as our lives get increasingly intertwined with tech.
The titular story examines the rippling effects of wartime deaths and asks the readers: can we truly escape from wrongful deaths and generational trauma?
TOMB SWEEPING is a brilliant and poignant short story collection that will stay with me long after finishing it. Congratulations to Chang on her sophomore novel; she has quickly become my auto-buy author, and I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!