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There are currently 24 member reviews
for The Scavenger's Daughters
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Gail G. (Northbrook, IL)
The Scavenger's Daughters by Kay Bratt
The phoenix has arisen with the introduction of Benfu and Calli. Their blended family is a fantastic accomplishment of what a family should and could be. Their ability to understand their children and to motivate them to thinking and behaving on a high level is miraculous.
The story takes place during the era of Mao's Cultural Revolution and describes what isn't accomplished and the horrors of the results of his thinking and what is happening to Benfu as a result of his uncooperative behavior. This becomes a story about the redemption of the human spirit through the life if one couple whose family is an example of what a family could be even under the poorest circumstances. The attitude developed in this family, if it could be transferred to other families, could result in better understanding and less hatred amongst people. It is a beautiful thing to watch and learn from. I adored this story and the characters who inhabited it. When I began reading I was taking notes until I became so involved with the story's action that I could only read to get to the meat of the story and learn what was happening to the characters. It became impossible for me to put the book down and it became a compulsion for me to finish it.
This was one of the most wonderful stories I read in a long time. I would recommend it for book clubs and for its uplifting experience for all readers. I hated to finish the book until I learned at the end that the author was writing a sequel how wonderful for me because then the story would not end.
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Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)
The Scavenger's Daughters
I always thoroughly enjoy a book when I love the characters and want to know them better. Of course, this will happen since we were informed that this is the first book in the Tales of The Scavenger's Daughter. The father, Benfu, is a caring, responsible parent, who sublimates his personal stress by taking care of his family. Mother, Calli, takes care of him. Each of the daughters has personality and talents that will be developed in later books. Although this book is a good read and stands on its own, I am sure all will be anxious for later volumes.
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Nancy L. (Denver, NC)
The Scavenger's Daughters
During the Cultural Revolution, small and infant girls were often abandoned because of sickness, physical challenges, or just because they are girls. Benfu, who makes his living scavenging landfills, finds these girls and brings them home to be loved and raised. The girls are given flower names and are thought of as a flower garden by Benfu and his wife.
Because of experiences in Benfu's youth, caused by a corrupt government, he is too proud to ask later for the help he should receive from government officials for taking the girls on. This book is based on a true story.
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Mary Jane D. (Arlington Heights, IL)
Excellent, fast read
I would highly recommend The Scavenger's Daughters as a quick easy read that kept me engaged. The writing is clean and crisp and the glossary at the end with the meaning of the Chinese words is helpful. The descriptions of the girls and the goings on in the town made it easy for me to picture the scenes. I particularly was impressed with the description at the beginning of Benfu's background and it drew me into the story. Anyone who is interested in the Chinese Cultural Revolution would appreciate the the setting. The book is based on fact and offers an uplifting story of true love on many levels. I will look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
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Lynne G. (Rockville, MD)
The Scavenger's Daughters
This book is a smooth read and would appeal to young adults and adolescents particularly. The characters are appealing and the story itself is uncommon. The author writes clearly and is knowledgeable about Chinese culture. One would learn a lot by reading this story. I found it difficult to keep the girls separate and had to make a list with the characteristics of each. Very good descriptions of places, things, people and the revolution.
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Barbara O. (Maryland Heights, MO)
A Delightful Floral Bouquet!
A sweet read, the author tells a lovely story of a childless couple and the family they create by opening their humble home to abandoned and orphaned baby and very young little girls. The background story reveals the life of a scavenger as well as the Mao cultural revolution and the hardships endured told through the eyes of Benfu, the author's chief character. You'll look forward to more stories each focusing on one of Benfu and Calli's daughters, each bearing the name of Flower.
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Barb W. (Mechanicsburg, PA)
The Scavenger's Daughters
If it were possible to give half stars, this book would have gotten 4.5 stars instead of only 4. Although the subject is not "feel good," the book is well-written, the characters well-drawn and the content informative and engaging. I have already recommended it to co-workers and library patrons, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
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