Review of Journey To The Heartland

Annabell Samuel · Post by **Annabell Samuel** » 14 Jun 2024, 05:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Journey To The Heartland" by Xiaolong Huang.]

5 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

The world has evolved. We are now more open to tolerating and accepting some things we used to see as taboos. For instance, there was a time when it was a moral offense for a black man to marry a white lady. Today, the prejudice against such unions has drastically reduced. In the same way, the world is now more open to accepting people, regardless of their sexual orientations. Excitingly, many countries have made it easier for anyone to express their sexualities. On this background, we meet Hanwei, a Chinese tech genius, and follow his gay journey.

Hanwei had a challenging childhood, watching his father abuse his mother. He also watched his dad show off his sexuality and attraction to men. Even though he disliked his father, he eventually became romantically attracted to men. However, there was more to his life than his sexuality. Please read this book to follow Hanwei’s journey to making something out of his life.

If you’ve read this review up to this point, you will know that this book is not for everyone. If you have any atom of prejudice against LGBTQ+ folks, you should avoid this book. This book is built around the journey of a gay person. Even though it touches on other topics of interest, LGBTQ+ is at the heart of the narrative. With that caveat out of the way, let’s get into the juicy analysis of this book.

My greatest appreciation goes to the author for not making this book all about Hanwei’s gay life. This book touches on so many things that can stimulate a reader. For instance, the book shows the reader the inner workings of a typical Chinese family. We see how kids respect their parents even when the parents are wrong. I tried to put myself in Hanwei’s shoes to see how tough he was putting up with his father’s excesses. Through Hanwei’s father, we also see the sense of entitlement that makes many parents manipulate their children into doing their bidding.

This book also sheds light on the fact that racial and sexual discrimination is a long way from being exterminated from society. Jay, one of Hanwei’s romantic interests, exemplified this. He had a big issue as a marine because of his relationship with Hanwei. He was even harassed by the police one day because he was black. These examples remind us of the work we need to do to create a more accepting and tolerant society that accommodates everyone, regardless of race, religion, or sexuality.

I dislike nothing about “Journey To The Heartland” by Xiaolong Huang. Therefore, I rate it five out of five stars. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the journey of a Chinese gay person.

******
Journey To The Heartland
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Anaïs Quesson · Post by **Anaïs Quesson** » 16 Sep 2024, 12:09

Excellent review! I am currently reading this book and I absolutely love it so far. You have put all my thoughts so far into words, lol. I haven't met Jay's character yet, I'm eager to do so.
Keep up the good work!

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 13 Feb 2025, 05:11

I wonder if prejudiced people would perhaps benefit from reading a book about the experiences of a gay man. It feels like the book will describe a person's journey, and this person happens to be Chinese and happens to be gay, but has feelings and emotions like every other person. I believe writing a book like this may help some people to become more tolerant and accepting.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 13 Feb 2025, 05:39

Stories that feature an LGBTQ+ MC are increasingly common, but an LGBTQ+ MC with a Chinese background makes the book stand out. It will be interesting to see how the MC's views on sexuality conflict with that of his Chinese life.

Sindhu Srinath · Post by **Sindhu Srinath** » 13 Feb 2025, 05:40

It's nice how the book is said to have a 360-degree approach. Congo on the BOTD! Great OBC review!

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 13 Feb 2025, 05:57

This book is not only intriguing on an interesting gender basis, but it’s also a good book to explore Chinese culture. I sympathise with homosexuals of many cultures where it’s taboo, and this read opens up the difficulties in Chinese society. Thanks for the excellent review.

Post by **Mr Benj** » 13 Feb 2025, 06:03

Journey To The Heartland" by Xiaolong Huang, a book that features the life experiences of a man and his various encounters. It is a book about his traumatic experience from his childhood that later influenced his later life and decisions.

James Hanna · Post by **Wamboi Susan** » 13 Feb 2025, 06:14

"These examples remind us of the work we need to do to create a more accepting and tolerant society that accommodates everyone, regardless of race, religion, or sexuality."
An interesting review, keen on reading the book.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 13 Feb 2025, 06:22

Although the world has evolved and we are more tolerant about accepting some things, I agree that there is still a long way to go before all prejudice will be discarded. Skin color, sexual orientation, race, etc. are still problems for people in certain countries and communities. I don't know much about Chinese culture, but it sounds like that brings some additional challenges to the foreground. Kudos to the author for tackling difficult subject matter head-on. Thank you for your informative review.

Devesh Patel · Post by **Devesh Patel** » 13 Feb 2025, 06:22

This review offers a thoughtful and insightful analysis of "Journey To The Heartland", highlighting its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, family dynamics, and societal prejudices. It praises the author for balancing Hanwei’s personal journey with broader cultural and social issues, making it a compelling read for open-minded audiences. A well-rounded and enthusiastic recommendation!

Post by **Amarachi Stephanie Ejike** » 13 Feb 2025, 07:40

"Journey To The Heartland" by Xiaolong Huang features Hanwei, a Chinese tech genius, and his gay journey. Although the story also explores other aspects such as the inner workings of a typical Chinese family and racial discrimination beyond the central theme of sexual orientation, It is not my kind of fiction. So, I'll pass.

Diamond Igwesi · Post by **Diamond Igwesi** » 13 Feb 2025, 07:42

Thankful this book is available for free download. The sample I read hooked me in so much.
The absolutist authority the protagonist's father has over him is something that I can relate with, coming from a conservative African household myself.
The flow was simple, the story was engaging right from the start and even though it has its settings in China, it is still easy to understand regardless of the culture you are used to. And yes, If you are homophobic, save yourself the heartache of reading this book.
Congrats on BOTD.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 13 Feb 2025, 07:49

"Journey To The Heartland" by Xiaolong Huang is a raw, luminous triumph! Follow Hanwei’s journey from 1980s China—a tech genius grappling with abuse, toxic family dynamics, and self-discovery—to his life as a gay immigrant in the U.S.. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 13 Feb 2025, 08:11

The biggest issue k was well reviewed to include the various venues of sexual preferences, struggles with society differences. Thank you for the review and the many details of a gay life. I don’t have anything negative about any group. However, this is not a book I would read as I have no particular interest in this lifestyle choice.

Post by **Moisés Alcántara Ayre** » 13 Feb 2025, 08:15

Every life is painted with all shades of hope, struggles, challenges, successes and so much more: This book showcases what each of us is capable of doing with the life one has been given.