Synopsis: When Sunflower, a young city girl, moves to the countryside,
she grows to love the reed marsh lands - the endlessly flowing river, the friendly
buffalo with their strong backs and shiny round heads, the sky that stretches
on and on in its vastness. However, the days are long, and the little girl is
lonely. Then she meets Bronze, who, unable to speak, is ostracized by the other
village boys. Soon the pair are inseparable, and when Bronze's family agree to
take Sunflower in, it seems that fate has brought him the sister he has always
longed for. But life in Damaidi is hard, and Bronze's family can barely afford
to feed themselves. Will the city girl be able to stay in this place where she
has finally found happiness? (from the back of the book)Review: This is a sweet and lyrical tale, part folktale, part myth, part historical fiction, part children’s adventure. With simple prose, the author takes the reader through the history of Sunflower, as she follows her father to the Cadre School. During the Cultural Revolution in China, her father, an artist, is sent to the country to be “educated” in the ways of the simply farmer. His named his sweet and shy daughter for his favorite flower. When he dies, she is sent to live with a nearby country family, who’s only child, a boy named Bronze, is mute. There, through the seasons and cycles of the village, Sunflower and Bronze, brother and sister, face with courage, wisdom, and love the many trials that come upon them.
I would highly recommend this for children. It is an honest
book. It doesn’t pretend that life on a farm wasn’t hard, that starvation and
death aren’t real. But it does show that family and love are what helps us
survive. In addition, the exposure, in a colorful, honest way, to the life in
China during this time is perfect for young minds. Enough explanation is given
to open up understanding but not overwhelm with useless facts. The story deftly
weaves bits of Chinese culture into the narrative and it is excellently done,
gibing a clear picture of the wonderful and fascinating world.
Worth reading.
Bookmarks: 4 of 5
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award
ISBN: 978-1406348460
Date Finished: 4-18-2017
Pages: 400
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