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bookcrazyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
The day that Japanese forces surrendered to Allied troops in 1945 was a historic day in the Chinese village named Yuehu. There, three men men made a pact to return back to the village every year after their deaths, knowing that their lives would never cross paths while still alive. American missionary and doctor William de Royer-Macmillan, Ian Ferguson, part of the American Navy and Liu Zhaohu, a Chinese officer in training, whose lives all intersected with a young woman named Ah Yan-translated to Swallow. The three men go on to describe their relationship with Swallow and how it effected everyone’s lives. The novel takes place over WWII in China and it doesn’t shy away from the atrocities that were committed at that time period, including the brutal aftermath of rape. It also does in depth about the differences between China and America, both in warfare, culture and even in things such as family life or differences in weight. Perhaps most importantly, it told the story of a strong, generous, compassionate and independent woman through the eyes of the men who knew and loved her.
ann_0142's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
This book was a pain to read through. There were many info dumps and metaphors that could only be described as strange. The writing is so bizarre, like on page 256: "The war was a meat grinder, and also a roller. It ground all life into meat and loam." I honestly didn't know what to think when I came across, "Ian's skin glistened like a fish." on page 189.
The descriptions of certain things were very uncomfortable to read. There was an array of useless descriptions of things not relevant to the story ("He [the dog] flicked out half his tongue, licking gently..." pg 110) and of imagery involving insects ("A needle slipped and poked her finger. A purple bead crawled out from her fingertip and turned into a black worm. She quickly sucked the little purple bug..." pg 190).
I was also highly uncomfortable with how the main female character, Ah Yan, was described by Pastor Billy. In the book, Pastor Billy meets her when she is about 12 and he is 35. Here's a quote from page 75: "The lower portion of her blouse had begun to show the faint contours of her body." On page 95, he says: "'Stella...You're menstruating.' In that moment, I felt as if every pore in my body wanted to sing."
The way this book was written (the three main male characters narrating the story to each other) was confusing. Each person would refer to one of the other two as "you" and I would get confused as to who was speaking. It didn't help that there was one random chapter that was told from the dogs' points of view.
All in all, I think that this book was simply not for me. I would have given this one star, but added 0.25 because of the ending.
The descriptions of certain things were very uncomfortable to read. There was an array of useless descriptions of things not relevant to the story ("He [the dog] flicked out half his tongue, licking gently..." pg 110) and of imagery involving insects ("A needle slipped and poked her finger. A purple bead crawled out from her fingertip and turned into a black worm. She quickly sucked the little purple bug..." pg 190).
I was also highly uncomfortable with how the main female character, Ah Yan, was described by Pastor Billy. In the book, Pastor Billy meets her when she is about 12 and he is 35. Here's a quote from page 75: "The lower portion of her blouse had begun to show the faint contours of her body." On page 95, he says: "'Stella...You're menstruating.' In that moment, I felt as if every pore in my body wanted to sing."
The way this book was written (the three main male characters narrating the story to each other) was confusing. Each person would refer to one of the other two as "you" and I would get confused as to who was speaking. It didn't help that there was one random chapter that was told from the dogs' points of view.
All in all, I think that this book was simply not for me. I would have given this one star, but added 0.25 because of the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, and Rape
mdunajcik's review
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Rape, and Violence
This is a book set in wartime with soldiers as main characters, so expect the horrors of war to be written about.saycki's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
abbie_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Free review copy received from the publisher
Translated from the Mandarin by Shelly Bryant, Zhang Ling’s A Single Swallow is an intense character study set during World War II, in a small village in rural China. It’s got an unusual structure, since it revolves around one woman, Ah Yan, but we never hear from her directly. Instead, we hear from three men whose lives intersected with hers in various ways. Ian Ferguson, a white American gunner’s man, Pastor Billy, a white American-born missionary, and Liu Zhaohu, a Chinese soldier born in the same village as Ah Yan.
Translated from the Mandarin by Shelly Bryant, Zhang Ling’s A Single Swallow is an intense character study set during World War II, in a small village in rural China. It’s got an unusual structure, since it revolves around one woman, Ah Yan, but we never hear from her directly. Instead, we hear from three men whose lives intersected with hers in various ways. Ian Ferguson, a white American gunner’s man, Pastor Billy, a white American-born missionary, and Liu Zhaohu, a Chinese soldier born in the same village as Ah Yan.
I thought this stylistic choice might have been to show how little agency Ah Yan had over her own life. As a teenager, she’s brutalised by Japanese soldiers, found by Pastor Billy who, as well as a missionary, has extensive medical training. Her life’s course changes then, looked down upon by almost everyone after her horrific ordeal. But she is loved by each of the three men in their own ways, fatherly or romantic or platonic. I wasn’t really on board with Pastor Billy, given the age gap between him and Ah Yan. But Zhang Ling does a great job of showing how selfish love can be. Each of three men has a different name for this one woman, not caring what her preference is.
The translation is beautiful, I loved the language! And I read that the author was able to undertake field trips to a SACO camp and she also talked with living SACO (Sino-American Cooperative Organisations) trainees. This shines through vividly in the sense of place and level of historic detail.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had we been able to hear from Ah Yan directly, but I understand (I think!) the author’s intention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
backpackingbookworm's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
To begin, this book is beautifully translated and manages to perfectly capture the essence of Ah Yan and the three men who loved her in his own way. I really enjoyed the switching perspectives and the unique second-person life-after-death narrative. It gave the story a new dimension and very cleverly told the story of Ah Yan's life despite having no chapters delivered from her point of view.
The book explored multiple themes, including war, lust, honour, illness, and abuse, with each connecting Ah Yan to one of the narrators, depending on who experienced/witnessed the event(s) associated with each theme. It was very well constructed, however, I did feel like the ending was dragged out to the point where I did wonder if it was ever going to end.
I loved Ah Yan's character, her selflessness, her resilience, and her gracious nature to forgive despite being subjected to some of the most harrowing circumstances. I liked Pastor Billy but I wasn't as fond of the other narrators, especially after discovering how selfish each of their feelings was for Ah Yan. I do believe most redeemed themselves and felt a sense of guilt/failure in doing what was best for Ah Yan at the time rather than only thinking of themselves. It was good to see this character growth as each reflected on their memories with Ah Yan pre-death.
Overall an interesting novel that was beautifully written but just a little too long to keep my engagement levels as high as they were at the beginning of the novel.
Rating breakdown
The book explored multiple themes, including war, lust, honour, illness, and abuse, with each connecting Ah Yan to one of the narrators, depending on who experienced/witnessed the event(s) associated with each theme. It was very well constructed, however, I did feel like the ending was dragged out to the point where I did wonder if it was ever going to end.
I loved Ah Yan's character, her selflessness, her resilience, and her gracious nature to forgive despite being subjected to some of the most harrowing circumstances. I liked Pastor Billy but I wasn't as fond of the other narrators, especially after discovering how selfish each of their feelings was for Ah Yan. I do believe most redeemed themselves and felt a sense of guilt/failure in doing what was best for Ah Yan at the time rather than only thinking of themselves. It was good to see this character growth as each reflected on their memories with Ah Yan pre-death.
Overall an interesting novel that was beautifully written but just a little too long to keep my engagement levels as high as they were at the beginning of the novel.
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 3.8
- Writing style/readability - 4
- Characters - 3.9
- Diverse themes - 3.6
- Ending - 3.5
Overall - 3.8
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, and Sexual violence
fazila's review
4.0
Check out the full review on my website. CLICK HERE
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FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, AmazonCrossing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
DISCLAIMER : Trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, violence, war, horrific deaths of animals.
A Single Swallow is the story of a young woman Ah Yan. Ah Yan's life story, her journey from a naive young girl to a courageous young woman, is told from the perspectives of the three men in her life. After Japan's surrender, bringing an end to World War 2. The three men, after a day of joyous celebrations, take a vow to meet every year at the village. It was where they have lived, fought a war, and survived challenging times. Now seventy years later, they get to fulfill their promise. The American missionary Pastor Billy, the gunner’s mate Ian Ferguson, and a local soldier Liu Zhaohu come together and tells us their story and how each of them was connected to Ah Yan. The three of them loved Ah Yan in their unique way. The story is mostly an exploration of their individual lives and how tangled all of their lives were with Ah Yan's. As each of their stories unfolds, we get to see a clearer picture of how Ah Yan affected their lives. Ah Yan's history and her story are unveiled fascinatingly with the most beautiful writing and descriptions.
The story and the premise were so unique that I found myself being drawn to it and wanting to know more about this woman who stood with her head high despite having faced inexplicable atrocities in her short life. It was also interesting to see that even though this was a character study for Ah Yan and the three men, it simultaneously portrays the Chinese culture as well. The pacing is slower, and the stories told do not follow any particular order but more like the characters reminiscing the olden days when they met each other, how they all worked closely, and also their complicated relationship with Ah Yan. The three men in their own way take and take from her while Ah Yan gives herself unconditionally to each of them. Ah Yan has different names, and these are given to her by the men in her life. As a reader, we get to know her in relation to the men in her life. We do not get a perspective from her, and yet she is one of the most admired and respected characters in this book.
The story was quite simply brilliant. It tells an intimate tale of love, sacrifice, betrayal, abandonment, and forgiveness. It paints the story of a young girl who is forced to grow up too soon and under horrific circumstances. I believe this story will help in bridging the gap between the East and West with this beautifully written story. It's poignant and introspective, and you will need to savor it slowly to grasp the beauty of it. I gave this book 4-4.5 stars, and as you can already tell, I had an amazing time reading this book. I highly recommend this story to all of you, historical fiction readers out there. If you love slow-paced, multiple POV stories with a compelling character-driven narrative, you need to check this out.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, AmazonCrossing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
DISCLAIMER : Trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, violence, war, horrific deaths of animals.
A Single Swallow is the story of a young woman Ah Yan. Ah Yan's life story, her journey from a naive young girl to a courageous young woman, is told from the perspectives of the three men in her life. After Japan's surrender, bringing an end to World War 2. The three men, after a day of joyous celebrations, take a vow to meet every year at the village. It was where they have lived, fought a war, and survived challenging times. Now seventy years later, they get to fulfill their promise. The American missionary Pastor Billy, the gunner’s mate Ian Ferguson, and a local soldier Liu Zhaohu come together and tells us their story and how each of them was connected to Ah Yan. The three of them loved Ah Yan in their unique way. The story is mostly an exploration of their individual lives and how tangled all of their lives were with Ah Yan's. As each of their stories unfolds, we get to see a clearer picture of how Ah Yan affected their lives. Ah Yan's history and her story are unveiled fascinatingly with the most beautiful writing and descriptions.
The story and the premise were so unique that I found myself being drawn to it and wanting to know more about this woman who stood with her head high despite having faced inexplicable atrocities in her short life. It was also interesting to see that even though this was a character study for Ah Yan and the three men, it simultaneously portrays the Chinese culture as well. The pacing is slower, and the stories told do not follow any particular order but more like the characters reminiscing the olden days when they met each other, how they all worked closely, and also their complicated relationship with Ah Yan. The three men in their own way take and take from her while Ah Yan gives herself unconditionally to each of them. Ah Yan has different names, and these are given to her by the men in her life. As a reader, we get to know her in relation to the men in her life. We do not get a perspective from her, and yet she is one of the most admired and respected characters in this book.
The story was quite simply brilliant. It tells an intimate tale of love, sacrifice, betrayal, abandonment, and forgiveness. It paints the story of a young girl who is forced to grow up too soon and under horrific circumstances. I believe this story will help in bridging the gap between the East and West with this beautifully written story. It's poignant and introspective, and you will need to savor it slowly to grasp the beauty of it. I gave this book 4-4.5 stars, and as you can already tell, I had an amazing time reading this book. I highly recommend this story to all of you, historical fiction readers out there. If you love slow-paced, multiple POV stories with a compelling character-driven narrative, you need to check this out.
bethlovescake's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Firstly, overall I found the book very immersive. Especially the great world-building creating a descriptive look into the past.
I felt this was mixed paced with slower paced parts due to the writing style.
The way each chapter is a different perspective was an effective and organised way of changing the point of view without it being confusing. There are flashbacks as well and the timeline isn't shown linearly, which can be difficult to follow if you're not keeping track of it.
I was uncomfortable with how the men looked at the girl in such a sexual/marital way before she was 18, when at least one of them was over 30. (The other 2 men I'm not sure of their ages.)
I think the above point is the main reason I took off a star because I really enjoyed the rest of the book. The historical setting was very interesting and I liked following the lives of the characters through it.
If you're thinking of reading this you'll need to mentally prepare yourself for an emotional intense read at times.
I felt this was mixed paced with slower paced parts due to the writing style.
The way each chapter is a different perspective was an effective and organised way of changing the point of view without it being confusing. There are flashbacks as well and the timeline isn't shown linearly, which can be difficult to follow if you're not keeping track of it.
I was uncomfortable with how the men looked at the girl in such a sexual/marital way before she was 18, when at least one of them was over 30. (The other 2 men I'm not sure of their ages.)
I think the above point is the main reason I took off a star because I really enjoyed the rest of the book. The historical setting was very interesting and I liked following the lives of the characters through it.
If you're thinking of reading this you'll need to mentally prepare yourself for an emotional intense read at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Misogyny, and Blood
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Cancer
nikkigee81's review
4.0
Trigger/content warnings for sexual assault and death of animals.
This book tells the tale of a Chinese woman and her experiences during and after World War II, through the eyes of three men who cared about her: an American pastor, a Chinese soldier, and an American soldier. They all gave different names for her, as well.
During the war, one of the men instituted a pact that they would meet in China again, even after death. The story begins when the last of the trio finally passes and meets them, and in alternating chapters, they tell the story of the war, and Ah Yan/Stella/Wende.
Ah Yan endures many hardships but is a very strong character. Some reviews have complained that she doesn't get to tell her own story and that she has no agency apart from these men. I've would agree, except in this case, I feel it is a deliberate move by the author - it shows the character of the men, as well as points up the fact that, historically, a Chinese woman WOULDN'T have had agency except through men, no matter her stature in the community.
I thought the translation was very well done, also.
This book tells the tale of a Chinese woman and her experiences during and after World War II, through the eyes of three men who cared about her: an American pastor, a Chinese soldier, and an American soldier. They all gave different names for her, as well.
During the war, one of the men instituted a pact that they would meet in China again, even after death. The story begins when the last of the trio finally passes and meets them, and in alternating chapters, they tell the story of the war, and Ah Yan/Stella/Wende.
Ah Yan endures many hardships but is a very strong character. Some reviews have complained that she doesn't get to tell her own story and that she has no agency apart from these men. I've would agree, except in this case, I feel it is a deliberate move by the author - it shows the character of the men, as well as points up the fact that, historically, a Chinese woman WOULDN'T have had agency except through men, no matter her stature in the community.
I thought the translation was very well done, also.
meganstilley's review
4.0
This is a book that was translated from a Chinese writer. The setup is a bit different in that it is from the perspective of three men, and a couple of dogs that have already died. They are in the afterlife and have been waiting for each other to all join together in the afterlife. At first it was a bit confusing, but once you know the characters it is easier to follow.
While it is the perspective of three men, the story centers around one woman Ah Yan, which means swallow; hence the title. Each of these men love Ah Yan in their own way and yet each of them leave her and are a bit selfish with their love for her. This novel takes place in China and centers around WWII, but this is not your typical WWII novel.
I really enjoyed this novel. I have read many novels set in China and many novels about WWII, but nothing like this. It really focuses on relationships and how convoluted, confusing and trying they can be, and yet you still want to have them and depend on them for your livelihood.
While it is the perspective of three men, the story centers around one woman Ah Yan, which means swallow; hence the title. Each of these men love Ah Yan in their own way and yet each of them leave her and are a bit selfish with their love for her. This novel takes place in China and centers around WWII, but this is not your typical WWII novel.
I really enjoyed this novel. I have read many novels set in China and many novels about WWII, but nothing like this. It really focuses on relationships and how convoluted, confusing and trying they can be, and yet you still want to have them and depend on them for your livelihood.