Member Review
Review by
Tracey B, Reviewer
First things first—I haven’t listened to an audio book in a very long time. I almost exclusively read on my Kindle. So, I have to admit to getting off to a rocky start with this book. My mind doesn’t seem to compute “reading” when it’s listening. But I’m happy (and a little proud) to say that I overcame my deficiencies and ended on a high note.
This was a twisty, secret-laden, who-dunnit ride through Berkeley, Ca., in 1944. The main players ranged from Homicide Detective Al Sullivan to a variety of Bainbridges, one of the wealthiest families in San Francisco, to Madame Chaing Kai-Shek, China's First Lady. From ages eight to eighty, they were complicated, unpredictable characters who managed to shine beyond stereotypes.
From the exclusive, mystery-shrouded Claremont Hotel to blue-collar neighborhoods, crime-infested pockets, and Chinatown (of course—this is San Francisco after all), the city played a fascinating character as well. Chua drew a luscious picture of that place and era. She dealt with racism, politics, ethnic groups, outrageous wealth, mental illness, generational differences, and family relationships with aplomb.
It was interesting to hear the exchange between the author and the narrator at the end, too. I learned a lot about both skill sets. The narrator did a great job, but I think I'm a read-the-words-on-the-pages kinda reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books for the ARC.
This was a twisty, secret-laden, who-dunnit ride through Berkeley, Ca., in 1944. The main players ranged from Homicide Detective Al Sullivan to a variety of Bainbridges, one of the wealthiest families in San Francisco, to Madame Chaing Kai-Shek, China's First Lady. From ages eight to eighty, they were complicated, unpredictable characters who managed to shine beyond stereotypes.
From the exclusive, mystery-shrouded Claremont Hotel to blue-collar neighborhoods, crime-infested pockets, and Chinatown (of course—this is San Francisco after all), the city played a fascinating character as well. Chua drew a luscious picture of that place and era. She dealt with racism, politics, ethnic groups, outrageous wealth, mental illness, generational differences, and family relationships with aplomb.
It was interesting to hear the exchange between the author and the narrator at the end, too. I learned a lot about both skill sets. The narrator did a great job, but I think I'm a read-the-words-on-the-pages kinda reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books for the ARC.
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