Crystal Boys

Rating:
Summary: The Way Taiwanese Gay Life Used To Be . . .
Review: Being a gay male living in Taiwan I happened upon this book from a friend of mine. It was a lovely read--one too real at times. Of course being gay in Taiwan isn't much like what appears inside the book but it's nice to be able to read something like this and see how the society has come along. I don't know if I cared that much for the "tragic" love story that was mentioned...but I think it comes close to expressing the intensity of gay male love. I think a lot is lost in the translation and maybe a little more explanatory text in the beginning would have helped in the matters... But all in all the story kept me at the book till the end...wanting to know what happened with the rest of the characters afterwards.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Touching
Review: I read this book because it was in my husband's collection when we married. Hsien-Yung Pai was his professor at UCSB, for whom he had much admiration. I was impressed with the fact that Professor Pai did not feel a need to resort to describing the physical intimacies between the characters to get an audience, but relied on descriptions of their emotional connections. I was deeply touched by A-Qing's relationship with his brother. Not being a writer, I can't come up with the right words to say why it should be read. Just that when I finished it, I will always be grateful the I had the opportunity.

Rating:
Summary: A tale that brings heart and empathy for gay culture
Review: I've read the Crystal Boys in Chinese and English. It is a psychological tale about A-Qing and his journey through which he grows and breaks out of his mold. Professor Pai touches on the family dynamics that is quite unfamiliar to the Western society. For Asians, to be cut off from our family is probably the worst thing that could happen to you, especially if you are a guy.

It is interesting to note that all the characters in the story hold contradicting characteristics. It also breaks the stereotypes about homosexuals. We see in the book that these boys are really no different than us. They face the problems that we face; poverty, rebellion, and trying to acheive a balance between family expectations and one's own dreams.

Sadly, the beauty of Chinese language is lost through translation, but the translators did their best. It is always difficult to express things in another language.I would definitely recommand the English version to those who can't read Chinese. But those who can read Chinese should read the Chinese version. It sets such a melancholy atmospere and takes you into the mind and heart of A-Qing. You can't help but feel as if you are him, experiencing his feelings and his struggles as he fights for his place in the world.

P.S. My high school was near New Park, and I can tell you that there are a very intriguing gay culture there. The lotuses are all gone, but the spirit of these Crystal Boys live on.