Reviews

Mr Ma and Son by Lao She

fihman's review against another edition

2.0

More a curiosity than anything else. Interesting, but not very enjoyable.

mlou88's review

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

nikikalyvides's review against another edition

challenging funny tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.25

gaga2203's review

emotional funny sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

All aspects of racism explored in a less than obvious way. An enjoyable , slow paced read.

michael98's review

emotional funny 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? N/A

3.75

elena117's review against another edition

4.0

charming funny heartbreaking. a host of characters who simply cannot understand eachother, and the consequences. the descriptions of London with the focus on nature were absolutely beautiful. the storytelling is exquisite and profoundly sharp perspectives on racism, classis, and the ridiculousness of the English are seamlessly woven into a funny and light narrative.

annarella's review against another edition

5.0

Very funny and thought provoking, a well written book set in the 20s. A Chinese family move to London, their difficulties and the prejudice.
it's light and multilayered. The author is excellent and I saw other book translated. This one is delightful and strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

em_ham's review against another edition

informative lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

niamh_m4's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A book that punctured an area of ignorance for me. I’d never really thought about Chinese immigration in the early 20th century. 

Loved how the book captured London in the interwar period.

Taken aback/saddened by how much of the prejudice and otherness still exists. 

Adored the descriptions of London at Christmas - especially as I ended up reading it on the tube on the way in to see the Christmas lights with my children. Magical!