Customer Reviews

My Favourite Wife

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I loved this book. The characters are very realistic and also in their settings (modern shanghai). Just check the 'shanghaiexpat blogspot review' if you have any doubt. This book shows humans with realistic conflicting feelings or flaws and the story shows how they deal with them.

Message for the one or two star reviewers, the asian 'political sensitive':

It is true that the main chinese character in the novel tries to make a living, building up relationships with rich man. Yet she is drawn 'spot on' portrayed realistically, and lovable. Thats the strength anyway of this writer; the characters are very real. Just remember that the 'western' character doesn't come out 'morally' stronger; he is the one really cheating. And furthermore think of this. This is a novel not a political manuscript! And sometimes you need an outsiders point of view to see the reality which you try to hide for yourself. This counts for people, cultures and countries alike.

I collect books upon which my favorite movies are based. This book taught me to be more careful .... it has nothing to do with the Cary Grant movie ..... my fault for not checking the date and info on the movie!

Not as good as I was hoping it was going to be. I definitely got sucked into the narrative and could see how things would go the way they did in the story. Not the most uplifting book. Don't know if I really gained anything from it.

This book may not be the best written book and it may stereotype different peoples but if you were ever an expat to Shanghai you would find it quite amusing.

I've been to many of the places discussed, seen many of the characters in the book, and whilst it many not be politically correct, most of the observations/insights are generally spot on.

A rate it a good light read ***

I completely agree with the previous reviewer that this is a really badly written piece of work. It sterotypes all Chinese/Asian women into some sort of money crazed gold diggers. All westerners, thus English and Aussies, are much more cultured, strong, full of heart and smart. It has a very derogatory, patronizing voice throughout the whole book and I rather found it very racist and ethnocentric.

I saw this book in the bestsellers section at my local bookstore, have no idea why it was there. It is one of the most disappointing books I have ever read, with too many interjections from the author and an attitude of looking down upon Asia. There is a huge stereotype being played out of "eastern people are like this" and "western people are like that" and this is enforced right until the story's end. Oh, and the writing was atrocious.