Dream of the Walled City

What an incredible journey! Fleischman really conveys the sense of traditional China by the social and political pressures Jade Virtue faces throughout her lifetime. I was truly impressed by the restraint of this author, who kept the storyline clean, the political siutations understandable and tale completely believable. What a pleasure to read a story that completely transfers you into another time in history. I look forward to reading more from Fleischman.

"Dream of the Walled City" is an emotionally moving account of the life of Jade Virtue, a self-described ordinary woman who chronicles extraordinary times. The writing is fluid, if not poetic (reminiscent, in places, of Virginia Wolff), and the characters are at once dynamic and realistic. The story exquisitely weaves the quotidian events of Jade's life with the seismic political and industrial developments of Twentieth Century China. The story is immediately enrapturing and also provides a unique overview of some of the important events in the history of modern China. "Walled City" tells its story with grace: it is superbly written; it is at times humorous, at others tragic or shocking (or both); and it is at all times engrossing. The New Yorker recently praised the book and I was not surprised to read in that review a favorable comparison to Dickens's "Tale of Two Cities.""Walled City" is the best book I've read this year, by far.

"Dream of the Walled City" is the BEST book about China I've ever read -- and I've read HUNDREDS! My grandfather went to China from Sweden in 1892, about the time Lisa's "grandmother" was born. My father was born in Xian in 1904, as was I in 1942. Like Lisa's, my family fled to Taiwan in 1950, where my son was born in 1968. The main difference between Lisa's "family" and mine is that we are "white Chinese" Americans. We share much, but because we're Anglos, much is also different. What we do share are those memorable China roots -- and Lisa has written about those roots with such eloquent style, superb storytelling, and fascinating accuracy. I'm getting this book for Christmas for my friends and family. Thanks, Lisa, for a poignant look back in time that makes our todays richer!

I was fortunate to receive this book as a gift. The writing flows with imagery and the descriptions are dynamic. I was fascinated to learn of the transition of China from imperialism to Communism through the main character, a woman, and how her life, and the lives of her relatives changed drastically. I plan on enriching my friends with gift copies of the book. I am looking forward to Ms. Fleischman's next book.

Dream of the Walled City is the story of one woman's epic journey through life in China during an important time in Chinese history. It is superbly told and as a result you become one with the character, Jade Virtue, and go on to experience her life as China changes from Imperialist to Communist rule. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down. As you come to finish the book, you regrettably realize your visits with Jade Virtue are nearing an end and you find yourself wishing there was more. I can hardly wait for Ms. Fleischman's next book!