This is a true story. Two sisters grew up not only as sisters, but best friends - then were torn apart by the Chinese Civil War. Zhuging Li has painted a sensitive and passionate portrait of her aunts, even changing the name of one of them as she didn't want to be recognised. An incredible book of immense quality. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc.

Wonderful biography of two Chinese sisters, one Communist, the other Nationalist. Jun flees to Taiwan where she and her husband, Min, forge a new life. Hong and her husband, both doctors remain in China and suffer through many hardships to become China’s leading physicians. The book offers good insight into their lives and the countries they live in. Fascinating.

I requested this as background reading for a native ad program, "First Impressions", we ran booked by Kezia Velista. The book received a stellar 4..7 star average rating from our member-reviewers (see https://www.bookbrowse.com/arc/arc_reviews/detail/index.cfm/arc_number/985/daughters-of-the-flower-fragrant-garden) so in addition to all the coverage related to the native ad program, we will be featuring the book as a "Top Pick" recommendation across BookBrowse in a few week's time. Info will be sent to Kezia at the time.

4.5 STARS

A beautiful and historical account of a family growing up in China. The account centers around two sisters separated as teenagers, one to Taiwan and one to mainland China. Hong and Jun live separate lives, marry, and have children, and each builds successful careers. Jun becomes a teacher, journalist, and businesswoman, while Hong is a devoted and well-respected doctor in gynecology/obstetrics. Three decades later, when Jun is granted permission to visit the mainland, she meets up with her sister, Hong. They both live into their nineties.

Written by Jun's niece, this engaging story encapsulates China's history while covering the lives of two extraordinary women who leave behind legacies in today's China.

The well written history of the author's two aunts, Jun and Hong, and their differing paths in life due to the split between mainland China and Taiwan. A true story of resilience and courage, well told and presented. Recommended reading.

Sisters separated by war forge new identities as they are forced to choose between family, nation, and their own independence.
This was one of those books that sucked me in from the beginning and didn’t let go until I finished! I thought it was well written, with absolutely flawlessly done characters, and absolutely unputdownable. The storyline was brilliant and fascinating you won't want to miss this novel! Wow!

A clear accounting of the toll authorian rule and external politics have on a family separated for 30 years by the split between ROC & Taiwan. An overview of Chinese history from the very personal viewpoint of 2 sisters.