River East, River West: Longlisted for the Women's Prize 2024
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By Aube Rey Lescure
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LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2024
A mesmerising reversal of the east–west immigrant narrative set against China’s economic boom, River East, River West is a deeply moving exploration of race, identity and family, of capitalism’s false promise and private dreams.
Shanghai, 2007: feeling betrayed by her American mother’s engagement to their rich landlord Lu Fang, fourteen-year-old Alva begins plotting her escape. But the exclusive American School – a potential ticket out – is not what she imagined.
Qingdao, 1985: newlywed Lu Fang works as a lowly shipping clerk. Though he aspires to a bright future, he is one of many casualties of harsh political reforms. Then China opens up to foreigners and capital, and Lu Fang meets a woman who makes him question what he should settle for…
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What a great book! Believable characters it's possible to empathise with, an informative look at Chinese culture and colonialism and an interesting perspective on belonging, insider/outsider and identity. The relaxed, easy style of writing made even the difficult sections easy to read and the whole gives much to consider as well as being an excellent story. Highly recommended.
