Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 2
Zhuang is a young Chinese woman sent by her parents to London to learn English. She finds London very foreign, and is lonely and confused initially. Then she meets a much older man who takes her as his lover, and they quickly move in together. Through their relationship she learns much about Western culture and relationships, and much about herself.
A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers is written in first person, so at first it is difficult to read because of the broken English. As "Z's" English improves, it is reflected in her prose, which I thought was a clever approach. This book presents a very insightful look into Western culture from a foreigner's eyes, but also shows how the emotions and problems of relationships are universal.
A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers is written in first person, so at first it is difficult to read because of the broken English. As "Z's" English improves, it is reflected in her prose, which I thought was a clever approach. This book presents a very insightful look into Western culture from a foreigner's eyes, but also shows how the emotions and problems of relationships are universal.
