River East, River West: A Novel

by Aube Rey Lescure Narrated by David Shih, Jennifer Lim

Overview

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE

Set against the backdrop of developing modern China, this mesmerizing literary debut is part coming-of-age tale, part family and social drama, as it follows two generations searching for belonging and opportunity in a rapidly changing world-perfect for readers of Behold the Dreamers, White Ivy, and The Leavers.

Shanghai, 2007: Fourteen-year-old Alva has always longed for more. Raised by her American expat mother, she's never known her Chinese father, and is certain a better life awaits them in America. But when her mother announces her engagement to their wealthy Chinese landlord, Lu Fang, Alva's hopes are dashed, and so she plots for the next best thing: the American School in Shanghai. Upon admission, though, Alva is surprised to discover an institution run by an exclusive community of expats and the ever-wilder thrills of a city where foreigners can ostensibly act as they please.

1985: In the seaside city of Qingdao, Lu Fang is a young, married man and a lowly clerk in a shipping yard. Though he once dreamed of a bright future, he is one of many casualties in his country's harsh political reforms. So when China opens its doors to the first wave of foreigners in decades, Lu Fang's world is split wide open after he meets an American woman who makes him confront difficult questions about his current status in life, and how much will ever be enough.

In a stunning reversal of the east-to-west immigrant narrative and set against China's political history and economic rise, River East, River West is an intimate family drama and a sharp social novel. Alternating between Alva and Lu Fang's points of view, this is a profoundly moving exploration of race and class, cultural identity and belonging, and the often-false promise of the American Dream.

Editorial Reviews

AudioFile - FEBRUARY 2024

As a half-Chinese teenager in Shanghai, Alva shared a close bond with her American expat mother but longed for the idealized California life depicted in movies. Jennifer Lim's portrayal of Alva's youthful resentment is colored with both confusion and defiance. Who is her father, and why must they live this half-in/half-out life in China? When Alva's mom marries a much older Chinese businessman, Alva rebels. David Shih's more mature voice tells the story of Lu Fang, Alva's unlikely new stepfather. Shih leads the listener back in time to gradually reveal Lu Fang's past as a victim of Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution, and then his unlikely history with Alva's mother. The performance is enhanced by both narrators' delivery of Mandarin names and phrases. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159902375
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	01/09/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos