Rated of 5
by Lori L. (La Porte, IN) The Power of Language
This beautifully written book explores the power of language and how we define ourselves through our speech. The characters in the book move together and come apart based on their ability to communicate. Words, with their ability to comfort and console as well as to destroy and alienate, take center stage. It was interesting to consider how much of an individual's personality is determined by their ability to express themselves to others, as well as how much that expression can deviate from the person's inner, private life.
Rated of 5
by Marci G. (Southern New Jersey) Loss of Language... Loss of Self ?
As a nurse working on an acute rehabilitation unit, I was very drawn to the book. I cared for a stroke patient who lost her ability to speak English but could communicate in her primary language. Fascinating!!! To read this beautifully written book that merges science and the heart so well. The frustration of all parties involved is palpable. I was also drawn by the parallel between Rosalyn's sense of isolation and Li Jing's. Who are we if we are taken out of the context of our daily lives ? Successful business man, father, son, husband...
Rated of 5
by Karen H. (Auburn, MA) Good writer, plot lacking
I can tell that Ruiyan Xu has a knack for words. Her prose creates a pleasurable read. While I can appreciate the message she is trying to create with the storyline (isolation created by language barriers, inter-personal relationships, communicating without the right words, etc.), the plot was predictable and often cheesey. It didn't read as believable when Li Jing loses his fluency in Chinese. It read as a bad sitcom. I look forward to more of Ruiyan Xu's books, but I hope that she doesn't try so hard the next time. I hope she lets the story develop and doesn't try so hard to shape it in a way that doesn't read smoothly.
Rated of 5
by Mary B. (St Paul, MN) Lost ad Forgotten Languages
I enjoyed the book very much. The characters came to life through the narrative. Ms Xu' writing is very descriptive and involving. One can feel the rain and humidity as she writes about it. One can feel the emotions the characters are experiencing. I was sorry when the book ended as I wanted to know what else would be happening to the characters, as they had become people I cared about. On a side note, the jacket cover is beautiful!
Rated of 5
by Samantha H. (Golden, CO) Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
This is a fascinating story, that showcases how our lives and culture are completely dependent on a common language. I started this book on an airplane, and became so absorbed in the narrative that I nearly missed the beverage cart. The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai is very well written, and the characters are well developed. I became completely wrapped up in Li Jing's struggle to rejoin his family, having lost the one thing he needs to succeed -- the ability to joke, fight, and express his love. I highly recommend this book. I think it would be a great title for a book club to open up discussions on how language is vital to our lives and the world around us.
Rated of 5
by Barbara S. (Glen Ellyn, Illinois) The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
In the Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai, author Ruiyan Xu weaves and unforgettable drama that begins with a critical accident resulting in bilingual aphasia causing communication complications between all touched--family, doctors and friends. An intense read of a never-to-be-forgotten tale. I highly recommend this novel.
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of 5
by Lori L. (La Porte, IN) 
of 5
by Marci G. (Southern New Jersey) 
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by Karen H. (Auburn, MA) 
