Book review by Dennis D. McDonald
It’s the late 1930’s. Stephen, a young Chinese man sick with tuberculosis, is sent by his family from Hong Kong to the grandfather’s beach house in rural Japan for the Summer. There he comes under the influence of the family’s longtime housekeeper and caretaker Matsu. In the distance are the rumblings of war as Japan invades China.
At first the life in the tiny village Tarumi is seen by Stephen as deceptively slow and simple. That changes through a series of natural disasters, long held family secrets revealed, first love, and thoughtful explorations of the meanings of courage, love, and loyalty. Stephen’s relationship with Matsu evolves into one of deep respect and love.
By the end of the novel I was reluctant to leave Stephen, Matsu, Tarumi, and the relationships that had been revealed. This is probably the most sophisticated “coming of age” story I can remember reading. The themes explored are profound as relationships among the people who are present — as well as absent — are gradually revealed.
Especially poignant is how what initially appears to be a peaceful and lazy environment gradually evolves to reveal great depth and complexity as old memories and relationships are explored.
An added bonus: the 2017 reading of this 1995 novel by David Shih is masterful. Recommended.
Review copyright (c) 2020 by Dennis D. McDonald.
