I've already put in an order for 'Embers of Heaven'.
As I mentioned in my review the book was part of the reading group collection for my local library.
The book was well-received by all the group present though some did express they'd found elements such as the ghost road difficult. They had more expected a work of historical fiction about women's lives in ancient China without the mystical elements. My own background in esoteric studies as well as some time when younger studying martial arts and Tai Chi meant I had a good understanding of such concepts.
I defended this aspect of the book on the basis that within the East there was not such a schism as we find in the West currently between the rational and the more mystical elements of life; something that can be seen in Asian cinema and other forms of storytelling.
Quite a few women in the group found themselves crying at the end of the book (including me). I find that always a good thing when a novel has involved me to the point I mourn its characters and reading the final pages. I shall let you know when I post about 'Embers'.
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Date: 2008-07-28 04:40 am (UTC)As I mentioned in my review the book was part of the reading group collection for my local library.
The book was well-received by all the group present though some did express they'd found elements such as the ghost road difficult. They had more expected a work of historical fiction about women's lives in ancient China without the mystical elements. My own background in esoteric studies as well as some time when younger studying martial arts and Tai Chi meant I had a good understanding of such concepts.
I defended this aspect of the book on the basis that within the East there was not such a schism as we find in the West currently between the rational and the more mystical elements of life; something that can be seen in Asian cinema and other forms of storytelling.
Quite a few women in the group found themselves crying at the end of the book (including me). I find that always a good thing when a novel has involved me to the point I mourn its characters and reading the final pages. I shall let you know when I post about 'Embers'.
Vivienne
(ps: I also like the cigar-smoking bunny above).