Katherine is an American, one of the first to arrive in China when they begin to open up to the world in the 1980’s. Zebra is a Chinese woman who has had a tragically difficult life; she’s spent her childhood laboring with peasants and being regularly raped by her supervisor. She’s been transferred to a city temporarily to work in a factory and there she meets Katherine, her English teacher. All of Katherine’s students are fascinated with her, attracted to her, and eventually fall in love with her, especially the men. China isn’t easy on foreigners, though, and Katherine and Zebra are on course to learn that in one of the worst ways.
Ever since I read Pearl of China a few months ago, I’ve been eager to read more by Anchee Min. I got this secondhand a while ago and since it’s her first novel, I thought it was a good place to step back to and start again with her work. Unfortunately, I think I was wrong, because I simply didn’t like this book very much at all.
Perhaps I’m just being a little too prudish, but it bothered me how much the Chinese characters took advantage of Katherine. They played on her innocence regularly, knowing she wouldn’t understand, and it felt to me like they were leering at her constantly. I can understand a lot of the fascination on both their behalves, but the whole book just gave off too much of a sexual vibe, like they were constantly taking advantage of Katherine and sometimes one another. I didn’t really like Katherine, I felt she was childish and too susceptible to temptation, and when she tried to adopt a child I just got frustrated. I didn’t think she was at all mature enough to take care of a little girl. To top it off, some things were discussed frequently which in my opinion should probably be kept a little more quiet.
It’s a shame because I think it could have been an interesting book; after all, Zebra is learning a lot about what was kept from her during the Communist regime in China. I think her mind could have been expanded in different ways, rather than solely through this sort of obsessive sexuality. It definitely didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t even like the way it was written, which tells me that Min’s writing has advanced quite a bit in the past fifteen years. Some of the strange comparisons stick out in my head; she compared cracked lips to potato chips, for example, which didn’t really help me visualize anything besides a person with potato chips for lips.
In the end Katherine was a pretty big disappointment, but it hasn’t put me off reading more by Anchee Min. I think I’ll try some of her novels set in an earlier China; since I enjoyed Pearl of China, I may get on with those a bit better.
I am an Amazon Associate. I purchased this book.
You are making me so curious…what was discussed frequently, which should have been kept quiet?
Nishita´s last post …R is for Ricochet – A Book Review
Oh man, that does sound like a disappointment. And the comparison of lips to potato chips is too funny. On the other hand, it is interesting to see that an author can hone his or her craft over the years. It would be interesting to read her novels in reverse order of publication.
Beth F´s last post …Review- All Mortal Flesh by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This definitely sounds like a disappointment, especially since I’ve wanted to read more of Anchee Min’s work since reading “Pearl of China” too. Guess I’ll skip this one.
Jen – Devourer of Books´s last post …Still Missing by Chevy Stevens – Book Review
I read one book by Anchee Min and just hated it. I think it was Empress Orchid, and the story, coupled with the stilted writing really didn’t agree with me. There were also some really bizarre sexual passages that made me uncomfortable. I don’t think that I would try anything by her again, though I have read great reviews of Pearl of China (including yours!) I just don’t think she’s an author for me.
zibilee´s last post …Zan-Gah- A Prehistoric Adventure by Allan Richard Shickman – 160 pgs
I’m disappointed to see this didn’t live up to your expectations. The cover is just fabulous,though.
I really need to give a try to Anchee Min’s book – although by your review, I might want to start with another one of her books!
kay @ Infiniteshelf´s last post …Review – Lipstick Apology
I have heard such wonderful things about Anchee Min’s work. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Min’s work like you are (I’ve read several excerpts in various lit classes), but I’m thinking this might be a good one to skip.
Jennifer´s last post …Review- Enchanted- Inc
“Katherine” and “Wild Ginger” never sold well in the US. However, “Becoming Madame Mao”, “The Empress Orchid” and its sequel, “The Last Empress”, all were National Best Sellers and “The Empress Orchid” was a top-ten finalist for the British Book Awards and sold very well.
For your next read, I suggest starting with “The Empress Orchid”.
Lloyd Lofthouse´s last post …China’s Capitalist Revolution Part 2 of 9
I’m sorry. I didn’t mention Min’s first book, “Red Azalea”, her memoir growing up in Mao’s China during The Cultural Revolution. “Red Azalea” came out in 1992, and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and won the Carl Sandburg Award.
“Red Azalea” is still in print and is used in Asian Studies Departments in US universities (how many universities I don’t know).
Lloyd Lofthouse´s last post …China’s Capitalist Revolution Part 2 of 9
Thanks for the review! I love asian fiction or books set in an asian country. I don’t think I have ever read any of this author, but I would like to. Not sure which one to start with, though…
Rebecca´s last post …People of the Book – Geraldine Brooks
‘Empress Orchid’ is very good, it’s descriptions feel opulent. It is very sexual and as someone noted above those passages are often rather odd, because the main character starts of as a virgin who must learn how to please as a concubine. So be prepared if you start out with that one.
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