The Moon Pearl

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby This book provides an intriguing glimpse at the few choices girls had over their own destiny. The setting is captivating, and the daring choice of the three main characters makes for an exciting premise. However, the story feels a little thin. We never get a deep sense of how the characters feel about their choice and its consequences.

Moon Pearl is another beautiful book by McCunn. She captures the Chinese culture with all its enigmas and dichotomies. I can't say that the culture is portrayed positively, it isn't, but then most books about China have to dig down beneath the outer trappings to find the beauty within. McCunn doesn't soft-soap or candy-coat the story of these three courageous young women, but she also doesn't try to get into their psyche, which would have been a mistake. She paints them gently from a distance, and this is exactly right.

Ms. McCunn's book is thoughtful, intelligent, and well written. She shows the difficulties and hardships each young woman faced whether they obediently married as they were expected, or struggled to live alone and maintain their independence within the village. You sympathise with the girls' struggles. I particularly thought the Chinese customs and history in this book were interesting.

This was one of the best books I've ever read! It is a moving story of friendship and the emotional struggle young Chinese girls face when they marry. I loved the use of songs to express how these young girls felt. I admired the strength of Rooster, Shadow, and Mei Ju as they fought for independence and daily survival amist familial and social ostracization. I pitied Yun Yun's hardship and abuse. I enjoyed reading Thousand Pieces of Gold and wanted to read other works by this author. I look forward to other books by her.

From the prologue this novel captured me and drew me into its very different world. The story of three nineteenth century Chinese girls who decide to remain spinsters despite the anger and persecution of their families is engrossing for many reasons. An unfamiliar culture is presented with great detail and sensitivity, the girls' courage and ingenuity is fascinating to follow as it unfolds, and the various characters are so carefully portrayed that they seem like personal acquaintances. Add to this the beautiful scenic descriptions and gentle poetry of the girls. This is a story I will long remember.