Hard Sleeper

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: An elegant jacket and a Chinese-red bookcover preview this engaging tale of love and mystery, set in the politically turbulent days preceding the Communist era in China. Alternating between then and now, this page turner progresses through a succession of revelations and surprises to its unexpected conclusion, bringing the reader full circle.

The story is full of accurate historical detail, rich in descriptive material, and revealing of the relationships between the main characters and between the Chinese and "foreigners". The authors' knowledge of Chinese culture and their sensitivity to the subtleties of Chinese custom enrich the reader.

Even though the setting is outside of our cultural context, the universality of the story's main themes resonates. The reader is drawn into the full range of human experience, ending with the abiding power of love in its many forms.

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: An elegant jacket and a Chinese-red bookcover preview this engaging tale of love and mystery, set in the politically turbulent days preceding the Communist era in China. Alternating between then and now, this page turner progresses through a succession of revelations and surprises to its unexpected conclusion, bringing the reader full circle.

The story is full of accurate historical detail, rich in descriptive material, and revealing of the relationships between the main characters and between the Chinese and "foreigners". The authors' knowledge of Chinese culture and their sensitivity to the subtleties of Chinese custom enrich the reader.

Even though the setting is outside of our cultural context, the universality of the story's main themes resonates. The reader is drawn into the full range of human experience, ending with the abiding power of love in its many forms.

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: China in the 1930s was a dangerous place. War was escalating against Japan, while internally the Kuomintang was fighting communist forces. A missionary couple and their family work here during this tumultuous time and eventually both pay the ultimate price and are killed. The children are sent to live with family friends and Jane, the daughter, learns the family secrets as well as the political environment as she grows up with this extended family. Eventually Jane is expelled from China.

Now sixty years later she has returned to find the daughter she left behind when she was expelled. After finding her daughter they start on a long train ride to Beijing during which they meet a documentary producer. The producer seeks out the story of the reunion of the mother and daughter and finds that there is a much greater story here as Jane reveals the story of her parents' death. As she tries to establish a relationship with her now adult daughter Jane tells her story and the mystery and intrigue of old China takes on a life of its own.

The story is a mystery, a suspense novel, and a historical/cultural piece all rolled up into one fascinating story. Well written, it draws the reader into the intrigue of the story and you find yourself unable to put it down until you find the answers. Each chapter transitions the story between the China of the 1930s and the China of today. Suspenseful and exciting it is highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A very fine novel
Review: I found myself rapidly engrossed in this deeply satisfying tale of old and new China, which weaves together unforgettable characters, mystery, and romance against the backdrop of war and revolution in China. The authors have created imagined worlds and people that ring true, and a story line that had me finishing the book on my commuter train - at the expense of my habitual New York Times!

John L. Holden
President, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
New York

Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: I have just recently finished reading "Hard Sleeper,"and found it almost impossible to put it down. The book kept me in suspence, wondering what was going to happen next. Being a woman with a short attention spand it is always difficult for me to really finish a book. But the great thing about "Hard Sleeper" is the fact it tells to different stories at the same time. So you really never get bored. Personally, what I enjoyed the most was the character development between: elderly Jane, her daughter Mei, and the young lady traveling on the train, Pippa James. How three women from almost completely different worlds end up finding truth and comfort in each other. Together they finally put closure to Jane's long and painful past. I was almost sadden the book had to come to an end, but all good things do. I will even be as bold as to say this would make an excellent movie. I just hope it would do the book justice.

Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: I have just recently finished reading "Hard Sleeper,"and found it almost impossible to put it down. The book kept me in suspence, wondering what was going to happen next. Being a woman with a short attention spand it is always difficult for me to really finish a book. But the great thing about "Hard Sleeper" is the fact it tells to different stories at the same time. So you really never get bored. Personally, what I enjoyed the most was the character development between: elderly Jane, her daughter Mei, and the young lady traveling on the train, Pippa James. How three women from almost completely different worlds end up finding truth and comfort in each other. Together they finally put closure to Jane's long and painful past. I was almost sadden the book had to come to an end, but all good things do. I will even be as bold as to say this would make an excellent movie. I just hope it would do the book justice.

Rating:
Summary: the best book
Review: I think it is one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life. The interesting thing about the book is that it makes you anxious for the ending. It also explains a little Chinese history, something that very few know about. It also highlights history in a very interesting fashion, one which you will never forget. Hard Sleeper is a book you must read, for when you will finish, you will feel that something in your life is misssing. I highly recomended this book. After reading more than thousands of books I can presume that this is one of the best. This book will keep you awake the entire night because it is difficult to put down. I promise, you will love it!!!