Customer Reviews

English: A Novel

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This book is a wonderful gem, and we're so lucky that "English" has been translated into English! Perhaps even more importantly, we're fortunate that the translators did a superb job of the translation. Chinese to English translation is a daunting task for even the most talented linguists. What I appreciated is how the writer's were able to do it so eloquently and also create a real feeling of suspense in the book. Although not a mystery, the book has that page turner quality. I think you won't be able to put it down!

I generally only read non-fiction books about China. What steered me toward reading "English" was the fact that it was essentially the autobiography of its author, Wang Gang. It's a deep look at a young boy's experiences growing up in West China - an area that even most Chinese people don't really know enough about.

Love Liu's obsession with the English language and his bond with his teacher and classmates is poignant. The book will take you back to your own childhood when learning something new made it feel electric and almost dangerous.

Finally, "English" is an important book for China watchers because it's not the run of the mill "Cultural Revolution" tome. This book is about the experiences of a young boy who is growing up during that era and doesn't really understand what is happening around him. This ignorance creates a sense of what that experience must have been like for everyone - adult or child - who lived through it.

I attended a book talk that the author gave in Beijing, and he's very charming and humorous. He confirmed that each character in the book was a real person and that these experiences were each his own. I guess that's why this "novel" is so richly crafted.

I started and finished reading this novel within a day because the story really drew me in.

The setting of the novel, in Urumchi, (Western China) gave the novel a unique atmosphere that I found fascinating as it is not as popularized as major cities like Beijing.

While at times the plot was a bit predictable, I found it to be a charming coming-of-age story and an overall pleasant read.

If you have already done so, there is little of the book left to read! (I have asked Amazon to remove it.)

This is a well written (translated) addition to the list of Chinese authors revealing the China of several decades ago. The 'hook' is the study of English and the relationship between the teacher, students, parents and officials.

While there is nothing new here in terms of the terror of saying or doing the 'wrong' thing, the reality of the characters' lives draws the reader in. There are few characters to like and many to dislike; but some of each are like folks we know (and are?).

This is a very good introductory book for readers new to Chinese authors. It's well worth the time invested to read it.

Do yourself a huge favor and buy this book. I finished it in two long sittings because it drew me in so thoroughly. Kids really are the same the world over. Great portrayal of the ever ambiguous family ties. Just read it and enjoy this wondrous writer's gift to us.