Take a photo of a barcode or cover
k8degr8's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aahlvers's review
5.0
White Ghost Girls by Alice Greenaway is a haunting story about two sisters growing up in Hong Kong. This is another book that I am still thinking about. The younger sister is the narrator and so we see the older sister's actions through a bit of a filter. It has me thinking about the details that were left out that would explain why the older sister acted the way she did. In addition, this author has a poetic way with words. Every once in a while I would stop and reread a sentence or paragraph not for content but because of the way the words flowed on the page.
joannamickle's review
3.0
This is a beautifully written but haunting story about two teenage American sisters living in Hong Kong during the summer of 1967. The author recounts the experience from the perspective of the younger sister Kate, who is overshadowed by her rebellious, risk taking sister, Frankie. Their father is a war-photographer in Vietnam and their beautiful but remote mother leaves her daughters supervision to their Chinese nanny. The girls find themselves in situations that are confusing and dangerous. Beautifully written, the sights, sounds and smells of Hong Kong, are described in rich detail. The conclusion is unexpected, but all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
autumnwonders's review
2.0
I felt the author was trying to be too artistic and her story got lost in the process. The point of view was not very believable because she seemed to know too much about other characters' thoughts and feelings. It was a short, easy read so I do not feel like I wasted my time.
a_vro_'s review
3.0
I found this book to be beautifully written, with the author being quite articulate and able to convey thoughts and feelings well. I found myself frustrated with Frankie's actions and brashness, but I also recognize that the living situation of the whole family would have been challenging, especially considering time and place.
gottaread's review
4.0
I generally avoid-coming-of-age stories, but this one is a gem. Here is a deceptively slim novel, packed with complex characters set in the rich, lush setting of Hong Kong during the Vietnam conflict.
mmluther's review
2.0
I really wanted to love this book because it belonged to my mother. It had to be one of the last ones she bought since it was published the year she died.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a great read. The author was all over the place and I felt I needed to live in Vietnam to understand much of the book.
I did enjoy the short chapters.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a great read. The author was all over the place and I felt I needed to live in Vietnam to understand much of the book.
I did enjoy the short chapters.
gabmc's review against another edition
3.0
This is a story set in 1967 in Hong Kong. Two sisters, American, live there with their mother and Vietnam war correspondent father (when he's not in Vietnam taking photos). Frankie, the elder sister, is wild and impetuous. The story is told from Kate's perspective (the younger sister), as she tries to make some sense of Frankie's behaviour. A short novel, but worth reading, especially for a view of HK in the 1960s
ariannefowler's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
The writing is exquisite. This is a novel about innocence, memory, loss and the impacts of war. The way the author captures the vivid and lush landscape of Hong Kong is spectacular. The story is haunting and brutal. I was immersed in this story and with these sisters. I think the author did a flawless job of blending the family story into the political background of the Vietnam war. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel.