Rating: 
Summary: Emancipate Me!
Review: To be honest, I was glad when I finally finished this book. The first few chapters I found interesting, especially when telling of May-li and her life. However, I thought the narrative was choppy when it kept jumping back and forth through time, and introducing dubious characters of little interest or involvement to the story. I enjoyed the introduction to the cultural aspects of Shanghai and the curious (almost fetishistic) ritual of foot-binding. I enjoyed Ms. Harrison's "Poison" much more and would recommend it over "The Binding Chair".
Rating:
Summary: Not enjoyable at all
Review: Was the author in a hurry? Did she enjoy writing this book, or did she take out her press for time and/or obligatory book release deadline on the characters in this book? The storyline is incredibly unbelievable and unrealistic. Why did I finish the book? I ask myself the same question. Perhaps because I kept hoping for some sense to arrive in the storyline. When I reached the last page, I could only shake my head with disappointment...and I promptly added the book to the box for charity instead of making room for it on my personal library shelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing and imaginative
Review: While I didn't adore this book as much as I did Kathryn Harrison's other works, I was impressed by its lyrical quality and attention to detail. The scenes described in the book feel real. It's as though Harrison is channeling the characters instead of making them up. It is disturbing at times, but definitely a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Loose and murky....
Review: While the story gets off to a good beginning, it is difficult to stay involved when the plot jumps back and forth, introduces characters of questionable value to the plot, and ultimately ends with you wondering what the point was supposed to be. I felt that Harrison was after something that proved elusive in the end. While a good read for historical significance, very believable depiction of Shanghai, and a strong argument against the cruelties family members inflict on each other, it leaves you flat.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: You know the drill - East meets West, conflict ensues - yada, yada, yada. Good writing, although some of the events in the novel are just plain harsh and will make even the most jaded cringe. The novel is well researched, and should definitely hold your attention. I particularly liked the explanation of binding - what it is, how it's done, why it's done. That said, the only thing that I really didn't like was the end, it seemed flat and a little contrived. And the dysfunctional relationship may seem a bit too convenient, but you have to have some conflict in a novel, and most of the conflict here is character driven.
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