This was a really well-written and researched historical fiction novel focused on the lives of Chinese noncombatant laborers who were sent to Europe during WWI. I learned a lot reading this book and highly recommend paying attention to the author's note included at the end. The narration by Katharine Chin, Saskia Maarleveld and James Chen was fantastic too. Historical fiction fans don't want to miss this one with an incredible cast of memorable characters! Recommended for fans of Lisa See. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang is an enjoyable book with likeable characters and an interesting story. It is about WWI and the Chinese workers brought over to Europe during this time period.

The story follows two women and their families, one family is of Chinese descent, and the other is of French descent and how the two connect. Through alternating chapters between the two female characters you learn of the struggles that each face and the connection they share.

This book has a little of everything in it from suspense to romance to family honour. Although I enjoyed the book, and loved the characters, I found it lagged in places. Overall it is worth reading and I recommend it especially to those that enjoy historical fiction.

Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for an advance copy of this novel.

3.75 stars.

Interesting historical fiction set during WWI and involving Chinese labourers brought to Europe by the British and French to help with the war effort. Their contributions have been sadly downplayed by European historians. I enjoyed learning about this aspect of history of which I was unaware. The author’s notes were very interesting as to the research she undertook for this novel.

The role of the labourers provides the backdrop for the story of two young women living in France - one Chinese, the other French - who are seeking freedom to live their lives on their own terms in a society and in a time when the role of women was limited and controlled by the men in their lives.

The main characters are likeable and their storylines, while told separately for most the novel, do come together in a satisfying way. There are difficult topics addressed including domestic abuse and racism. The writing is very descriptive but I found it tended to overshadow the pacing of the story - the first 60% of the novel was very slow-paced and could have probably been a bit shorter. Overall, a solid historical fiction read.

Thanks to Harper Collins Canada and Netgalley for this complimentary copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Porcelain Moon releases February 21, 2023

Set in France during the early 1900’s and at the tail end of WWI, we’re told the story of two strong women whose lives are running in tandem to each other, with one character in particular tying them together in unexpected ways.

With multiple pov’s, we get to experience what it’s like for Pauline as one of the only Chinese girls living in Paris, working in her family’s antique shop, while evading an arranged marriage.
We also get insight into a French woman named Camille, who is living through some of the worst domestic abuse. She spends her days working at the post office, but is an artist at heart.
Thirdly, we also get a small perspective through Theo’s letters of what it’s like being a translator during the war and coming to terms with family expectations, disownment, arranged marriages, and more.

This has some heavier themes that I wasn’t quite expecting.
TW include mentions of cheating, dementia, war, domestic abuse, marital r*pe, miscarriage, misogyny, and racism (including mentions of pulling at corners of eyes to mock Chinese, and calling Chinese “chintok” aka “chink”)

The historical aspect paired with the Chinese Labour Corps and difficulties of interracial couples was good but it read a little predictable and the really long chapters weren’t a personal favourite.

📖Review: The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang

I am so honoured to have had the opportunity to read this ARC of Janie Chang’s newest novel. I read The Library of Legends last year, and it was a beautiful magical realist look at the experience of a Chinese university during WWII. I knew after I read it that she would become one of my must read authors.

The Porcelain Moon is an exploration of the experience of Chinese workers hired by the British Expeditionary Force in WWI. My interest is always piqued by historical fiction set in WWI, as so much seems set in WWII. This story also explores more than the trenches, although they are described at one point, and focuses on the lives of Chinese people in France during the war.

The two female protagonists of the story are easy to connect with as their spirit and perseverance are admirable in a time fraught with dangers for women, who had very few rights. Pauline Deng, an illegitimate child taken in by her uncle, discovers that she is to have an arranged marriage and return to Shanghai from Paris. In an effort to avoid this obligation, she sets out with a family friend, Henri, to find her cousin, Theo, to help her. They travel to Noyelles sur Mer to the Chinese work camp where he is a translator, and happen upon Camille, the other female protagonist.

Janie’s storytelling through the two perspectives is detailed and emotive, and weaves a moving, and sometimes harrowing, journey. The feelings of each women in their respective situations is immersive and allows the reader to experience what they may each have experienced during the days leading up to Armistice.

As historical fiction reader, I found the story to be nuanced and detailed, and it allowed me to dive into the time period and the experiences of the characters. The diverse perspectives explored, some of which are often overlooked in Historical accounts, is informative and told with the same beauty and creativity as I experienced in The Library of Legends. If you enjoy books by Kate Quinn or Kristin Hannah, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Porcelain Moon on its publication date: February 21st.

CW: War, spousal abuse, racism. Please be sure to review content warnings in book description.

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest recommendation.