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lostinherpages's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
booksweread's review
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nadiamasood's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Unputdownable!
What an expansive and intricate novel! The dual timeline takes readers through labyrinthine pathways, where beginnings and endings are not readily apparent.
Timeline #1: Present Day. Xiang Ling is fired from his job at Sydney's Chinese consulate when they discover that he can't speak Mandarin and has been using Google Translate for his work. When he becomes a viral sensation under the hashtag #BadChinese, a cunning filmmaker named Baby Bao sees this as his latest marketing strategy.
Timeline #2: Ancient Past. Lu Huang Du is a highly paranoid and cruel emperor who suspects everyone is out to murder him. A significant theme in the novel revolves around the labyrinth. Commissioned by the Emperor, its construction is mandated with two stipulations for its designer: no map of the labyrinth could ever be created, and only the Emperor himself would be instructed in a foolproof method to reach its innermost room.
It's brilliant how the two timelines slide together seamlessly!
Things I love about Ghost Cities:
What an expansive and intricate novel! The dual timeline takes readers through labyrinthine pathways, where beginnings and endings are not readily apparent.
Timeline #1: Present Day. Xiang Ling is fired from his job at Sydney's Chinese consulate when they discover that he can't speak Mandarin and has been using Google Translate for his work. When he becomes a viral sensation under the hashtag #BadChinese, a cunning filmmaker named Baby Bao sees this as his latest marketing strategy.
Timeline #2: Ancient Past. Lu Huang Du is a highly paranoid and cruel emperor who suspects everyone is out to murder him. A significant theme in the novel revolves around the labyrinth. Commissioned by the Emperor, its construction is mandated with two stipulations for its designer: no map of the labyrinth could ever be created, and only the Emperor himself would be instructed in a foolproof method to reach its innermost room.
It's brilliant how the two timelines slide together seamlessly!
Things I love about Ghost Cities:
- Quirky humor
- Unpredictable plot
- The writing
Highly recommended, especially for fans of Murakami!
luhos's review
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
wow, what a book! i am not 100% sure how to review this, or even to summarise the book. it was such a masterful novel and so fascinating and fun to read and also FUNNY. Lu is so creative and such an interesting thinker, and so, so clever. i look forward to reading this again one day soon because i know i’ll get more out of this on subsequent reads.
illreadmyownway's review
4.5
Ghost Cities – inspired by the vacant, uninhabited megacities of China – follows multiple narratives, including one in which a young man named Xiang is fired from his job as a translator at Sydney’s Chinese Consulate after it is discovered he doesn’t speak a word of Chinese and has been relying entirely on Google Translate for his work.
How is his relocation to one such ghost city connected to a parallel odyssey in which an ancient Emperor creates a thousand doubles of Himself? Or where a horny mountain gains sentience? Where a chess-playing automaton hides a deadly secret? Or a tale in which every book in the known Empire is destroyed – then re-created, page by page and book by book, all in the name of love and art?
****
This is an absolute riot of a novel, full of quirky characters and a plot that keeps you on your toes.
The book's alternating timelines and short chapters keep the pace fast and engaging, just the way I like it!
You can't help but laugh out loud at the absurdity and humour in the story—it’s been a long time since I've laughed this much while reading a book.
Although they are nothing alike, this novel gave me similar vibes I felt when reading "Piranesi” - I wasn’t sure what was happening but I was committed til the end.
The narrative seamlessly weaves together multiple stories and it’s an entertaining ride, but you'll need to pay attention to the intricate details—no skim reading allowed!
The clever use of language and vivid descriptions paint a rich picture of these ghost cities, inspired by the vacant megacities in China.
I would love to see this adapted into a mini-series; it has the perfect blend of comedy, mystery, and sheer creativity. If you're in the mood for something unconventional and fun, "Ghost Cities" is definitely worth your time!
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy.
jamesgg's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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