Bury What We Cannot Take, Kirstin Chen
Bury What We Cannot Take, Kirstin Chen
8 Rating(s)
List: $16.99 | Sale: $11.89
Club: $8.49

Bury What We Cannot Take
A novel

Author: Kirstin Chen

Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller

Unabridged: 8 hr 46 min

Format: Digital Audiobook (DRM Protected)

Published: 03/20/2018

Synopsis

“Complex and rich, Chen’s story serves as a fascinating window into a unique period of history and the plight of one displaced family.” —Harper’s BazaarThe day nine-year-old San San and her twelve-year-old brother, Ah Liam, discover their grandmother taking a hammer to a framed portrait of Chairman Mao is the day that forever changes their lives. To prove his loyalty to the Party, Ah Liam reports his grandmother to the authorities. But his belief in doing the right thing sets in motion a terrible chain of events.Now they must flee their home on Drum Wave Islet, which sits just a few hundred meters across the channel from mainland China. But when their mother goes to procure visas for safe passage to Hong Kong, the government will only issue them on the condition that she leave behind one of her children as proof of the family’s intention to return.Against the backdrop of early Maoist China, this captivating and emotional tale follows a brother, a sister, a father, and a mother as they grapple with their agonizing decision, its far-reaching consequences, and their hope for redemption.

About Kirstin Chen

Kirstin Chen is the author of the novel Soy Sauce for Beginners. Born and raised in Singapore, she currently lives in San Francisco.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Rosh

This book painted a painful picture of communism in China when the borders closed and the awful choices a family might have to make to get out of there. Did I like it? It was decent but I appreciat the story and intention of the author behind it.......more

Goodreads review by Fatma Al Zahraa

نتذكر وقت كارثة الكورونا...عندما كان يُصرّح أطباء وحدات الرعاية المركزة بأنه لم تعد لديهم رفاهية إنقاذ الجميع. فمحدودية إمكانات الرعاية الطبية أمام الزيادة الكارثية للحالات المتأخرة أجبرت العاملين في الحقل الطبي على القيام باختيارات غير رحيمة من أجل انقاذ ما يُمكن انقاذه. وللأسف سمعنا عن الكثيرين مم......more

Goodreads review by ميّ عبدالحميد

حين وصلت للصفحات الأخيرة في الرواية كانت عيني مليئة بالدموع الغضب والراحة في الوقت ذاته. تروي كريستين تشين قصة عائلة أرستقراطية تضطرها الشيوعية لمغادرة وطنها إلى هونغ كونغ تاركة خلفها الابنة الصغيرة على أمل بالعودة من أجل جلبها قريباً. نتشارك في صفحات هذه الرواية شعور سان سان بالثقة في عائلتها وايمانه......more

Goodreads review by Rachel

Bury What We Cannot Take is a captivating novel about one family's attempt to flee from Communist China in 1957. Having been granted only 3 travel visas to Hong Kong for 4 family members, Seok Koon is forced to leave one of her children behind in order to legally exit the country, and Kirsten Chen e......more

Quotes

“Chen captures the complex and terrifying political environment of the time through San San’s horrifying experience trying to reach her family, as well as through the depiction of the consequences of family loyalty over party loyalty. This is a fascinating family portrait.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Historic and contemporary themes related to refugees, immigrants, and periods of social, politica,l and cultural unrest add significance and immediacy to Chen’s fast-paced novel.” —San Jose Mercury News“Chen’s writing is fluid, and her storytelling ability is engaging. Readers are easily drawn to the characters and their perils, particularly plucky young San San…This novel is a quick and enjoyable read that should appeal to many audiences.” —Library Journal

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List