Brothers

by Da Chen

Book Overview

At the height of China's Cultural Revolution a powerful general fathered two sons. Tan was born to the general's wife and into a life of comfort and luxury. His half brother, Shento, was born to the general's mistress, who threw herself off a cliff in the mountains of Balan only moments after delivering her child. Growing up, each remained ignorant of the other's existence. In Beijing, Tan enjoyed the best schools, the finest clothes, and the prettiest...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400097290
• ISBN13: 9781400097296
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

livrelovre

Brothers is an engaging read with complex characters and a riveting plot. I was completely pulled into the story and read late into the night to finish. Da Chen's skillful storytelling allowed me to visualize the two brothers and to sympathize with the emotions that lead them to two different lifestyles. I eagerly anticipated the moment when their destinies would merge and the ending did not disappoint. There were lots of aspects of the story that reminded me of Kite Runner,and the themes of loyalty, revenge, love, and forgiveness were artfully expressed in language that was beautiful and original. I will definitely look for books by this author in the future.

Enthralling, loved it

I admit to being a bit deficient in the category of Chinese-inspired literature; however, this book pulled me in from the very beginning and I loved each of the characters. The epic plot is what makes the story worth writing - it does not in the least make it sophomoric or juvenile. I had to weigh in - the bad reviews on this one are completely unwarranted. I'm taking it to my Book Club this week.

Don't listen to the 1-star reviews.

This book was amazing and enthralling. I do not understand the criticisms depicting the book as "juvenile" and "sophmoric." First of all, the plot line is incredibly complex, reaching far beyond a child's book. I was completely absorbed into the story. I wanted to find a story which would capture me from my everyday life, and this did it. It is a work of fiction, and for my own interest in reading literature, I certainly do not hope it is predictable. Overall, this story is one showing how fate depicts our future, for the better or worse. I loved it. Truly, it is one of my favorite books, along with others that would NEVER be given the term "sophmoric."

Great Storytelling

I very much enjoyed this tale. It also definitly got me excited about learning more about Chinese History and Culture. Very entertaining! I highly recommend!

Wondefully Absorbing Read

I heard the author on NPR's the Diane Ream Show and became intrigued by this book. I am so pleased that I listened that day! It's rare that a book will be so absorbing--I literally could not put it down. This is the story of two brothers set against a grand sweep of notable recent (within the last century) Chinese history. Born into different worlds, circumstance and blood will irrevokably and funamentally change their lives. It's a mix of fate and history that will stay with you long after you have closed it's covers.