What readers think of Peach Blossom Spring, plus links to write your own review.

Reading about other cultures and history deepens my understanding of the world. From Peach Blossom Spring, I learned about the culture and history, beginning in 1938, of China and later of Taiwan. The struggles and upheaval of the people created by war were heartbreaking. Along with the despair, shattered dreams, and loss, the story shows how people adapted to new living conditions, banded together with supportive nonfamily members to survive, and made sacrifices for their family. The significance of shared stories that bind people together and the importance of learning about one's heritage are explored. As I reflected on this story, I realized that some people are incredibly fortunate to have a remarkable family member. I wish that for everyone.

Melissa Fu has wrangled an epic story of four generations of a family originally from China with a deft hand and a strong attention to detail and character development. We can't help but marvel at the courage and resilience of her main character, Meilin, whose husband disappears during the Japanese invasion of China. Separated from the rest of her family, she protects her son Renshu eventually finding her way to Taiwan by trading something precious for passage. Renshu is a serious scholar who ends up in the United States marrying an American girl, and leaving Meilin behind. Wracked with guilt, he is unable to bring her to New Mexico where Renshu now known as Henry Dao gets a job at the Los Alamos Laboratory. He is afraid that something in his past will threaten the security of his family, the one he has created and the mother he has left behind. We cheer all these characters on and breathe a sigh of relief when Henry finally comes to terms with his past, and basks in the glow of being a father to a whip-smart daughter who charts her own course in America. Well written and well researched.

Peach Blossom Spring takes place over 70 years, following a family trying to survive during a time of great upheaval. The book confronts questions of identity and the social, historical, and cultural factors that shape a person's relationship with the world at large. I especially enjoyed learning more about Taiwanese history and its relationship to the Republic of China.

When Meilin and her three year old son, Renshu are forced to flee their home in Changsa, China before the advancement of the Japanese army in 1938, they have no idea their journey will take them across mountains, rivers, oceans, and even continents. Renshu eventually comes to the US, becomes Henry and he and his family struggle daily with identity. Are they Chinese, Taiwanese, American, or a combination? This is the story of a heroic journey to rediscover identity. While thoroughly enjoying the story, I also learned so much about the modern day history of China and Taiwan.

The weaving of the ancient scroll stories enhanced this otherwise plain novel. My bar is set very high for Chinese novels that attempt to explore China's intricate history. It took me too long to complete the book. Therefore, only an average read for me.

I found the first third of this book good, but it was just an average war story. Henry's story drug on too long and I would have enjoyed knowing more about his daughter than him. His wife was also a minor character who could have been fleshed out more. With so many good books out there, I probably wouldn't have finished this one if I had not agreed to review it for this site.