Books Like...
Su Tong's novel Rice, translated effectively by Howard Goldblatt, is a riveting read with unforgettable scenes of cruelty. The author peoples the book with vivid characters caught in a struggle for survival within a family that is of the take-no-prisoners variety. The plot revolves around a poor country boy, Five Dragons, seeking his fortune in the big city and eventually being taken in by the wealthy Feng family who run a rice emporium. The narrative is layered with themes of hunger, power, and revenge, serving as a symbol for the turning point in Chinese history before the Communist takeover. The story unfolds in a bleak nest of vipers family saga in southern China during the early 20th century, where the characters are bitter, hate-filled, and cruel, leading to the self-destructive downfall of the Feng clan.
In contrast, another reader found the representation of rice as an aphrodisiac and instrument of sexual torture to be fetishistic rather than cultural or historical. The book was critiqued for lacking a wider discussion on the topic, with a focus on one character's fixation on rice stuffing without much exploration of its deeper significance or motivations.
If you liked Rice, here are the top 4 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a monumental saga set in post-colonial India, revolving around the efforts of Mrs. Mehra to find a suitable husband for her daughter, Lata, amid the backdrop of 1950s India. The story follows the intertwined lives of multiple families, exploring themes of family dynamics, love, duty, and societal expectations. Despite its length, the book delves into the intricacies of Indian culture and history, offering a detailed and immersive portrayal of the characters and their experiences.
The narrative weaves together various subplots, ranging from political intrigue to personal relationships, providing a rich tapestry of human experiences against the backdrop of a changing nation. Vikram Seth's writing style is praised for its detailed characterizations, epic scope, and ability to draw readers in with its lush prose and engaging storytelling.
‘I know what your hmms mean, young lady, and I can tell you I will not stand for hmms in this matter. I do know what is best. I am doing it all for you. Do you think it is easy for me, trying to arran... - #2
Save:'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the life of Sayuri, a young girl who is sold into the world of geishas in pre-WWII Japan. The book provides a detailed insight into the life of a geisha, from the elaborate ceremonies and dances to the personal struggles and triumphs of the main character. The writing style of the book is described as beautifully written, engaging, and almost lyrical, transporting readers to a different time and place with vivid descriptions and rich detail.
Suppose that you and I were sitting in a quiet room overlooking a garden, chatting and sipping at our cups of green tea while we talked about something that had happened a long while ago, and I said t... - #3
Save:The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a novel that delves into the intricate relationships between four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters. Through interconnected vignettes, the book explores themes of cultural differences, generational divides, and the struggles of understanding and connecting with one's family history. Set in San Francisco, the story spans decades and continents, revealing the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the impact of heritage on individual identities.
Amy Tan's writing style in The Joy Luck Club is described as captivating, poignant, and emotionally evocative. The narrative weaves together the stories of multiple characters, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that touch on themes of sacrifice, tradition, and the search for belonging. Through a blend of past remembrances and present reflections, Tan masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with readers by exploring the universal complexities of family relationships and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
When I was little, my mother told me my great-grandfather had sentenced a beggar to die in the worst possible way, and that later the dead man came back and killed my great-grandfather. Either that, o... - #4
Save:Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...
