Song of the Silk Road

It might just be my preference, but I wanted to read this book because the journey sounded intriguing. And it is a great idea. I thought there was too much superficial information in many spots which slowed the story line. I'm talking about information that really is detail but doesn't enhance the overall storyline. I really was disappointed in a preoccupation with sex...I might just be a prude...but honestly I think the focus on sex made the story lean more toward the physical rather than the intellectual overall. I think there is a strong spiritual aspect associated with China, and I didn't see that in this story. There was the supernatural and new age aspects. In my life sex is the byproduct of love...and a special event not to be played out with each and everyone you meet. It is commonly held, however, that the sex act is called lovemaking....but love is a commitment, and in this story calling sex lovemaking didn't quite fit because there was no commitment. There was insight for sure, and I commend the author for writing the story in the first place.

I am happy to share with you my pleasure and satisfaction with this book. This was the third book I've read by Mingmei Tip and it is an incomparable read. An avid reader, and a most critical one, I was completely entertained and amazed at such skill and depth of feeling that I discovered in these pages. The written illustration was engrossing and mesmerising. The beauty of the Buddhist beliefs and teachings are inspiring and comforting. Well done Ms. Tip and many heartfelt thanks!

Ms. Yip's detailed descriptions of places in China and the remarkable things found there is very impressive. However, her characters are not convincing. Her portrayals of them are without real feeling, and the dialogue is stilted and unnatural. They experienced no believable transitions from one mood or experience, to another, and it was impossible for me to feel any connection to them, or to care what their fates might be.I did wonder if the novel was translated from her original language, but I did not see that indicated anywhere.

Had high hopes for this novel, but it fell far short of what could have been developed. I was waiting throughout for an exciting buildup from a pretty good premise, but the story just sort of died out and was over. I was left with a "That's it?" feeling when it "ended" and just ran out of steam. It was like a student using word count on as assignment, and when the "right" number of words were counted, the author just stopped. It could have been shaped into a much more exciting read, but fell flat for me.

Not an enthralling book and in fact too far fetched for my liking. For someone to go through what this person was asked to do and to be honest you knew what the end result was going to be. In saying this there is a twist but it still does not enhance the story.

Mingmei Yip does not disappoint. Her books are always engaging, entertaining, and well-crafted. This one has the additional bonus of its total uniqueness for a storyline. Its historical content is also incredibly prescient given the current events in China.

Song of the Silk Road has everything: adventure, romance, strong emotions, lots of esoteric Chinese culture, and a quirky narrator who keeps the action moving. I have personally traveled the Silk Road and am familiar with many of the places detailed in the book, and it was total pleasure to revisit them through the eyes of the narrator Lily Lin. A great read!

No thank you.

Went almost straight to the charity shop. Very disappointed!