Exotic, emotional, exciting, sad but gritty, this novel has it all. (The Distant Land of My Father - Bo Caldwell)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	The Distant Land of My Father - Bo Caldwell
Date:	22/10/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great read

Disadvantages: A bit drawn out in parts

I read this book after reading the other book reviews on Dooyoo and I have to admit that I was not disappointed. I raced through this at breakneck speed and just couldn't put it down without really begrudging it. This book is a real rollercoaster ride for the emotions and parts of it are very sad. I could feel a lump in my throat.

The story is about a family, memories of what was and what might have been and even what was 'mis-remembered'. There is reconciliation, forgiveness of a sort and most of all love.

The yearning and longing to be back home in the place where the family belongs runs right through this story and at times the emotion is so strong that it is hard to shake off. Bo Caldwell does a fabulous job of making your eyes fill up with tears which you have to fight back because you can't stop reading. It's quite an experience.

Anna Schoene is the daughter of a couple of very rich American expats who lived in Shanghai between the first and second World Wars. Her father is the son of a missionary couple who has made a living where he could in China and amassed a fortune by living on his wits. He loves China and so does his daughter.

When the Second World War arrives and Japanese forces invade, her father sends her home to America with her mother. He promises that they will soon be reunited but it doesn't happen. Anna has to grow up without him and it is many years later that she learns exactly what happened to her father.

I found this very moving and captivating and I couldn't put it down. It touched a nerve inside me on the emotional level which is not something that novels often do. Bo Caldwell is a powerful writer.

I had difficulty in buying this book which is printed by Random House and had to buy a second-hand paperback copy. Even if you do have to shop around buy a copy it is certainly worth it. I would not hesitate to recommend this as an excellent read.

Summary: A great story with an exciting background