Official Review: The Sound of Spring by G.X. Chen

Kelsey Fulton · Post by **Kelsey Fulton** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:03

What an interesting premise! I would love a historical novel with bouts of romance. I know very little about China in the 1970s, so this would be educational as well. Thanks for a great review!

The-happy-reader-7 · Post by **The-happy-reader-7** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:08

An interesting mix of suspense and romance in the historical fiction genre. I am interested in this book and I am curious about what will happen to the main character and her family.

Misael Carlos · Post by **Misael Carlos** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:09

It seemed to be a very informative novel about China's past. The country is in the news nowadays, being in hot waters due to its actions around the world. The review is very informative as well, clearly laying out what the story is all about: a love story set in a turbulent period. Congrats!

Post by **Anthony__** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:18

I like the fact that it educates the reader about consequences of the Cultural Revolution in China and how to eradicateeradicate capitalism in China. Great review!

Jsovermyer · Post by **Jsovermyer** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:41

This short novella is part romance and part historical fiction. It tells the story of a beautiful romance during the Cultural Revolution in China. The language is poetic and lyrical. Congratulations to the author for being chosen as BOTD. Thanks to the author for your excellent and honest review.

spluficvictory · Post by **spluficvictory** » 19 Oct 2019, 17:57

I admire the author's poetic style of writing. Though I'm curious about the Chinese culture, I think I'll pass on this one because it looks more like a memoir than a novella. Thanks for the review

Verna Coy · Post by **Verna Coy** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:26

This sounds like an entertaining romance set in a unique location. I appreciate the details you share in your review of the author's style of writing. I felt that the book had a 'regency' feel to it in that sense as well. Thanks for the great review!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 19 Oct 2019, 18:27

A professional must have edited the book, as I only found two grammatical errors. Despite this fact and that Chen’s writing is sophisticated, I did not enjoy some elements of the book. Chen overuses exclamation marks and ellipses. These writing techniques made the novella overly dramatic for my taste. I thought that Chun Ming expressed herself too eloquently for having a sixth-grade level education. And, I prefer when an author shows rather than tells. This story is told from Chun Ming’s point of view, and she mostly tells all that happens. At times, I thought the narration sounded like a memoir.

These are all very valid points that could be improved. Hopefully, the author will take into consideration constructive criticism like yours for his future work.
However, this seems like a nice novel, not only a swoony romance but an engaging way to learn about a different time period and culture.
Thanks!

Katherine Smith · Post by **Katherine Smith** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:35

I enjoyed your review and appreciated the criticisms that you had. I think that the author used her own childhood and experiences when writing this novel, but wanted to not have her book become a memoir. I like that the book was professionally edited, but the author could improve her stylistic choices. The cover illustrations were beautiful as was her use of imagery.

Mbrooks2518 · Post by **Mbrooks2518** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:46

I'm not a fan of romance or historical fiction, so I'll pass on this book. Great review, though!

hmorgan90 · Post by **hmorgan90** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:48

I am so excited to add this book to my "To Read" pile!!

I know a little bit about the political changes in China during this period and I am excited to learn a bit more. I'm excited for this book of the day!

Inkroverts · Post by **Inkroverts** » 19 Oct 2019, 18:49

This reminds me of what I learnt during Chinese History. There are tons of things that can be brought out just by talking about the Cultural Revolution. I wonder how the political story and the romance elements intertwine?

Karina Nowak · Post by **Karina Nowak** » 19 Oct 2019, 19:18

Great review, but I honestly don't see any problem with the protagonist expressing themself eloquently despite their lack of higher education. This was a different time, over 40 years ago, and a different country with different mannerisms and culture. Outside of it being fiction, I personally think the poetic flair was fitting.

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 19 Oct 2019, 19:33

The romance between Chun Ming and Fang Si Jun during the last few months of the cultural revolution in China sounds like a good way to learn about those times. The facts you gave about things that were enforced during the cultural revolution were examples of how it affected many people in China in the day to day life.

mddodgen · Post by **mddodgen** » 19 Oct 2019, 19:55

I agree that the book seems interesting and your review was wonderful. However, I dislike romance novels and prefer stories that have more adventure or action. Thank you for the review. I did download the book and will take a look. Perhaps you can 'hook' me into reading more romance novels in the future!