Spring Moon: A Novel of China

The review by Jeanne-Scott thoroughly summarizes Spring Moon. It is difficult reading but well worth the time. I can only recommend this book to people who have a keen interest in East Asian cultures and history, as it is completely immersed in the politics and revolutionary thought of the era. Whether some of the translations from Chinese literature are precisely accurate or not is immaterial to the prevailing sense of helplessness conveyed and the struggles experienced by the main character, Spring Moon, during this period of constant upheaval as China abandons its ancient tradition of an imperialistic monarchy and adopts the philosophies of a socialist order. This is a modern classic worthy of sharing shelf space with such books as The Dream of the Red Chamber (Tsao Hsueh-Chin), Snow Country (Yasunari Kawabata), The Last Emperor (either version by either author), The Woman Warrior (Maxine Hong Kingston), and The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan). A truly cultured tale for truly cultured people; quite entertaining and thought provoking.

I first read "Spring Moon" years ago and immediately fell in love with it. In many ways "Spring Moon" is an epic novel, following Spring Moon's life from the time she was a little girl (the end of the 19th century, China) through her old age (Communist China). Spring Moon lived through tumultuous times, and the history of China is the back-drop of this wonderful story. The characters are vividly drawn. Love, adventure, and intrigue abound. Even the politics/history comes alive. "Spring Moon" is a long book, but once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. In fact, no other book captivated me as much until I read that other book with a strong, Asian, feamle character. Maybe you've heard of it....it's called "Memoirs of a Geisha".

I read this book for a book talk for my 9th grade advanced english class. At first I was a little intimidated by it's legth of about 562 pages, but I was curious enough to learn about chinese tradtions to read it. To tell You the truth, I absolutely loved it and I recommend it to anyone interested in chinese history and traditions along with a (fiction)storyline, that makes you fall in love with the characters. In honesty, I was also some-what confused with chinese military-history, but the book made me interested enough in the topic to make me pick up a history book and study.

Starting at the end of the 19th century, Spring Moon and the rest of the clan take you through all the historical events in Chinese history. You learn about the killings of the Boxer Rebellion when one charator, Dummy, tells Spring Moon how her parents died. You learn what its like when one side of your family is a Nationalist and the other a Communist. Spring Moon's clan breaks apart slowly as people move away. Such rituals like the kowtow take on new meaning to Spring Moon. Spring Moon and her husband Resolute Sprit take us through the Long March and her soldior uncle, Nobel Talent takes us into the hardships of respecting the clans rituals (like 3 years of mourning) and being unable to fight. If you are studying recent Chinese history this is definitally a book to pick up and read.

Every member of our book discussion group (all women) liked this book--almost unprecedented in the last 3 years. Bette Bao Lord poetically relates the story of civil war and social change in China from 1892 to the early 1970s through the life story of Spring Moon, who lived a privileged life in a family of scholars. Names like Bold Talent, Glad Promise, Lustrous Jade and August Winds hint at the destiny of those who bear them. The bound feet of Chinese women are referred to as golden lilies. This beautiful language conveys an action story of social revolution, love, treason, and intrigue. Each chapter begins with a quote from Chinese history, legend, or poetry to put it into cultural perspective. An entertaining and enlightening read