Brian Leung (1)

This book really caught me by surprise.
The plot line is that the Chinese father left his half-Chinese son to be raised by his sister-in-law and husband following the death of his Caucasian American wife. He never maintained contact with the boy, and now that he finds that he has a terminal illness, he feels compelled to fulfill a promise made when the boy was young, that they would go to China together. Of course, nothing is that simple--neither the marriage, the death, nor the reasons for the separation. The father has his reasons, the son his resentments.

Their conversation is difficult and stilted due to the lack of relationship--but there are many issues to be resolved; many blanks to be filled. I found the emotions to be so vibrant--so active, and the prose so moving, I couldn't put the story out of my mind--despite the obvious pain of both characters.

There are many details that I am omitting, that add interest to the story line, but the writing is what I found most compelling. A very satisfying read.… (more)