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mschmug's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book. In fact, I have loved this book for a very long time. This is my second time reading this and it's perfect because I'm secretly obsessed with China. Mary is such a character, funny, strong etc. My kind of woman.
heavywater's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect to enjoy this as deeply as I did. Through a series of diary entries a fictional Mary Mackenzie writes about her life in Oriental China and later Japan. Made me think about what kind of things a person can endure, and what can't/shouldn't be taken lying down.
indreni's review against another edition
4.5
Wow. A young Scottish bride sails in 1906 to marry a British military attache in China. She becomes more and more independent with her long sea voyage, and her marriage turns out to be anything but fulfilling. Falling in love with a Japanese aristocrat/military officer results in her young daughter being ripped from her & placed back on a ship home. She takes matters into her own hands, sailing to Japan instead, and spending the next 30 years building a life for herself there. A fascinating look at the times of east Asia--colonialism, a modernizing Japan rocked at times with nationalism and militarism, the world wars, natural disasters, and a reminder of how much women's lives could be controlled by the whims of their husbands--often through financial practices, tradition, and through decisions made about their children. Very moving.
chiarabra's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
msliz's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gawain's review against another edition
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
5.0
martinaoo's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nina1117's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books! Now, if only I could get my hands on the Masterpiece Theater movie!
elfs29's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Wynd, through diary entries and letters spanning forty years, tells the story of Mary as she travels to marry British military man in China, but really tells of the pervading strains women are forced under, and the loneliness that is born in every circumstance. This is a bittersweet novel, for Mary, amongst the forces outside of her control, forges a life for herself, and we follow her as she grows and hardens, as her position and happiness peaks and troughs, and as she sheds the shame bestowed upon her and takes advantage of her independence. Through the form, Wynd is able to infer much about Mary that she does not write explicitly, as often is the way when people are unable to feel themselves changing when it happens so slowly, nor put words to their feelings that they do not understand or accept, or fully grasp the societal forces that submerge them. The experience she accumulates creates a complex character, one scared of connection, craving stability, often wanting to resign to her unhappiness, yet unable to do so - most importantly, she is always evolving. Within the backdrop of political tumult, Mary evolves through her rejection, and though so much remains out of her control, the life she carves out for herself, by herself, is fascinating to read of; a story not so much of female empowerment, but of the female condition, and of the unending pursuit for fulfilment beside the forces against her.
I can't believe that there are relationships in our living organised for us from 'outside', and yet at times I find myself believing what I don't believe. This probably comes from not having a defined personality, or at least not one I can define to myself. I look at those around me who seem to have absolutely fixed identities, wondering if these are the result of the accident of their circumstances, or something deliberately achieved. It is people like these who make a real impact on their environment and people like me who make none at all. I should be ashamed, but I'm not.
I can't believe that there are relationships in our living organised for us from 'outside', and yet at times I find myself believing what I don't believe. This probably comes from not having a defined personality, or at least not one I can define to myself. I look at those around me who seem to have absolutely fixed identities, wondering if these are the result of the accident of their circumstances, or something deliberately achieved. It is people like these who make a real impact on their environment and people like me who make none at all. I should be ashamed, but I'm not.
booksandchicks's review against another edition
3.0
About a British woman who basically lived her life in Japan in the early 1900's. I don't think her life was totally believable. But it was interesting to learn about the Japanese way of life, how a British woman fit in, and her struggles. I would recommend it.