"The Distant Land of my Father" by Bo Caldwell is like a pleasurable swim on a hot day. Once you open the book you are immersed in delicious details of 1930's China and exotic word pictures flash before you. The book moves in slow motion but it doesn't feel boring in the least. The reader almost wants it to slow down more to relish every moment in the book. This is a novel of the discovery of what true love is all about- being able to love the 'whole' person and being willing to forgive.

I loved the way the story is 'a story within a story'-- it comes across as if it is the story of the protagonist's life- but in actual fact- it is the story of her father through her eyes.

I loved everything about this book!

At the end of the book I wanted to reread various parts. I wished the book had not ended.

I felt very emotional- in a good way- it made me appreciate my family- my life- my upbringing. It made me also take stock of those in my life who I was not seeing in the right perspective.

Bo Caldwell has published some non-fiction essays in the Washington Post. She also has done a few short stories. This was her first novel.

I would think any adult would enjoy this book. Although there are graphic scenes in the book, they are all based on reality. The book moves slowly but if the reader can go with the flow it lulls the reader into a wonderful rhythm.

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Created Mar 31, 2008 at 6:51pm • Submit your own review...