I discovered this book in The Economist a few weeks ago. The magazine contained a review titled "The Chinese Novel Everyone Should Read." As a fan of "world" fiction, I thought I would give it a try. I really was not disappointed but I can't give it five or even four stars as I liked it (3 stars) but I didn't "really" like it (4) stars and it is not "amazing" (5 stars) to me.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I don't typically read the jacket cover once a book has been recommended to me. I want to be surprised by the story. And for the most part, I enjoyed the writing and was reminded of Gabriel Garcia Marquez magical realism throughout the much of the novel. The characters are vivid and you do get a sense of some of the pre-People's Revolution-era China as well as post-Revolution but the story isn't so much about that as it is about an orphan who is adopted by his extended family. They realize quickly that he is an extraordinary mathematician who is later recruited by the government for cryptology work. (being a fan of The Bletchley Circle - I was keen on this aspect). After his recruitment, the reader doesn't really have access to the main character for a variety of reasons which I won't spoil for those who do read this novel. And I while I understand why the author chose to do this, some of the best magical realism moments and perhaps, the reason the story would have remained as engaging, seem to have been lost. And this is where I stick with three stars instead of higher.

The Economist says this "is an absolute joy to read." And when I think of Pear Blossoms falling to the earth and covering the ground (from the first quarter of the book) - I don't disagree. Maybe I just have too much of American sentimentality to have been able to let the ending go as it did. I would recommend it for anyone who likes to read something completely different (for that, I give it 5 stars. It is a refreshing change of pace). If you do - let me know and let's discuss!