A Thread of Sky
An outstanding book, especially by a new, published author. The characters are strong and complex without being predictable. The author has developed a wide-range of women characters: a modern-day teenager getting ready to leave her family for college, three women in between with their own unique challenges, and a grandmother at the end of her fascinating life who is re-examining her defining moments. Although this book takes places within the context of an Asian family and backdrop, anyone who enjoys strong characters, family dynamics, and debut novels will appreciate this stunning book.
Rated of 5
by Beth C. (Sioux Falls, SD)
Mothers/Daughters and the Sights & Sounds of China
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Deanna Fei's book, "A Thread of the Sky". This novel weaves a marvelous tapestry - both with the relationships of grandmother, sisters, and daughters and the history and perceptions of life that each brings to their two-week vacation trip to China.
I found the characters to be very realistic in their relationships with each other and in their reactions to what they were seeing. Fei does a marvelous job describing the scenes in various Chinese locales and the reactions of the Chinese -American daughers to the food, the shops, the toilet facilities as well as the actual sights.
This would be a great discussion book for book groups.
Rated of 5
by Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey)
A Thread of Sky
Wow, what a great start for this author. There is so much to like about this book on many levels. The themes are universal, growing up, growing old and learning how to deal with all of life's seasons. I identified with the mother and the grandmother the most and I'm sure that anyone who reads this book will also have their favorite characters. The trip through modern China is fascinating ! A good read and a great choice for a book club !
Rated of 5
by Myra B. (corvallis, oregon)
A thread of Sky by Deanna Fei
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The interwoven relationships between the women is what I found most appealing. Five women from three generations in very different places in their lives travel to China to reconnect to each other. Through their travels, many family secrets come to light. Sharing the secrets brings these women closer together and more understanding of each others lives.
Rated of 5
by Julie H. (Pine Grove, PA)
A Thread of Sky
Secrets, both large and small, figured prominently in this well-written novel. The novel unfolded slowly, giving tidbits of each of the six women's lives in turn. The writing was honest and the characters were real. I was slightly disappointed that the story felt as though it could have been written in any setting, it was more about the women than China. Overall a worthwhile read.
Rated of 5
by Jean N. (New Richmond, OH)
A Thread of Sky
Three generations of women, reuniting to embark on a family tour of China, each bringing their own baggage containing individual secrets, hopes and dreams. Traveling together, yet apart, each women looking for something different. The story unfolds slowly, as secrets come to the surface, and the women discover their true selves and each other.
Rated of 5
by Lou M. (kennebunkport, maine)
A First Novel! Are you sure?
Not a book I would think to purchase; a book I enjoyed reading. Another good example of how reviewing books has broadened my reading horizons. This is a terrific first novel because: Ms Fei has presented the story in a very professional, well organized manner; because, through flashbacks, she has described cultural and national changes and how they have affected the lives of three generations. Although the story takes place in China and is about Chinese Americans, it could be about any family with immigrant antecedents. i liked that. She emphasized human beings, not a country. I am an old guy who was an early tourist (1979) when China was first opening to foreigners. There are many stories to tell, but suffice it to say that the cultural changes Fei describes and her comments about the various national movements are succinct and well done. This is a good book club book. i will recommend it to the group I lead.
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