so-soThough well-performed, maybe I would have felt more connected to this story if I had physically read it… Spanning decades and continents, Phoenix grieves her mother‘s passing while trying to uncover her past and the secrets her mother kept. Part emails, part recreation of the past, this unravels slowly and at each turn even more sadly. Though it‘s well-researched, I would have enjoyed even more historical context for these dark spots in history.
so-soThis was a rough read. It‘s brutally sad, and never really lets up. While the structure of the novel was a bit confusing at times (and felt uneven towards the end), I think overall it was well-executed—intricately mapped out. It offers narrative frame within narrative frame, circling around the stories of a daughter and a mother. I expected more of a focus on the main character, in the present, but the novel lives primarily in the past, ⬇️
pickThis story of a daughter trying to know her late mother better weaves together three different styles of narratives as it tells the story of a woman who lived through most of the major events of 20th century China. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-where-waters-meet-by-zhang-ling.h...
so-soI did not like this book. I found the grim reality of it depressing. However, I know some of you will love it just for those same reasons. Her 1st book written in English, Zhang Ling tells the story of a mother and daughter from the Chinese Civil War/revolution to their immigration to Canada.
pickAs Phoenix‘s mom is aging, and passes, she discovers she needs to learn more about her moms journey through life. Told in chunks in a reverse chronological order as she follows the trail Rain left. I can‘t recollect a story written in this order, but it works here. I was left with a few questions not answered, but enjoyed hearing the story.
Where Waters Meet | 
