Customer Reviews

Hard Sleeper

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China in the 1930s was a dangerous place. War was escalating against Japan, while internally the Kuomintang was fighting communist forces. A missionary couple and their family work here during this tumultuous time and eventually both pay the ultimate price and are killed. The children are sent to live with family friends and Jane, the daughter, learns the family secrets as well as the political environment as she grows up with this extended family. Eventually Jane is expelled from China.

Now sixty years later she has returned to find the daughter she left behind when she was expelled. After finding her daughter they start on a long train ride to Beijing during which they meet a documentary producer. The producer seeks out the story of the reunion of the mother and daughter and finds that there is a much greater story here as Jane reveals the story of her parents' death. As she tries to establish a relationship with her now adult daughter Jane tells her story and the mystery and intrigue of old China takes on a life of its own.

The story is a mystery, a suspense novel, and a historical/cultural piece all rolled up into one fascinating story. Well written, it draws the reader into the intrigue of the story and you find yourself unable to put it down until you find the answers. Each chapter transitions the story between the China of the 1930s and the China of today. Suspenseful and exciting it is highly recommended.

I found myself rapidly engrossed in this deeply satisfying tale of old and new China, which weaves together unforgettable characters, mystery, and romance against the backdrop of war and revolution in China. The authors have created imagined worlds and people that ring true, and a story line that had me finishing the book on my commuter train - at the expense of my habitual New York Times!

John L. Holden
President, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
New York

The book does a really nice job of incorporating China's 20th century historical background into a very compelling story. The descriptions, especially that of the train journey (Hard Sleeper is a class of train travel) were dead-on. A great read!

An elegant jacket and a Chinese-red bookcover preview this engaging tale of love and mystery, set in the politically turbulent days preceding the Communist era in China. Alternating between then and now, this page turner progresses through a succession of revelations and surprises to its unexpected conclusion, bringing the reader full circle.

The story is full of accurate historical detail, rich in descriptive material, and revealing of the relationships between the main characters and between the Chinese and "foreigners". The authors' knowledge of Chinese culture and their sensitivity to the subtleties of Chinese custom enrich the reader.

Even though the setting is outside of our cultural context, the universality of the story's main themes resonates. The reader is drawn into the full range of human experience, ending with the abiding power of love in its many forms.

I think it is one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life. The interesting thing about the book is that it makes you anxious for the ending. It also explains a little Chinese history, something that very few know about. It also highlights history in a very interesting fashion, one which you will never forget. Hard Sleeper is a book you must read, for when you will finish, you will feel that something in your life is misssing. I highly recomended this book. After reading more than thousands of books I can presume that this is one of the best. This book will keep you awake the entire night because it is difficult to put down. I promise, you will love it!!!

A good, griping story intertwined with new knowledge about China past and present. A refreshing departure from the Grisham, Coben, Clancy style and an easy way to learn about a culture that will become increasingly important to us all.