Aug 21, 2022

Reviews of Two Novels of China During Two Wars, 1918 and 1937: Historical Fiction


The Porcelain Moon

I was also fascinated by the little known, overlooked part of history, of over 140,000 Chinese laborers and peasants  brought over to help the WWI war effort in Europe, in non-combatant work such as clearing battlefields, loading goods and ammunition on trucks and trains, keeping the railroads running, and soul-destroying jobs such as handling decayed corpses in the trenches.
, as they struggle to keep their freer life in France, in spite of the war.  There is danger for both of them, and possible death, as they try to find their way during wartime France.

46 comments:

  1. The book about the gods and spirits who are present in war-torn China is really intriguing. Two subjects I'd like to learn more about!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. That was an intriguing aspect of the Library of Legends, Mae.

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  2. Both of these covers are gorgeous Harvee! I’m glad that you enjoyed them both. Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  3. The covers alone would have me pick up the books to inspect. Sounds like an interesting series.

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  4. Yes, call me a bit silly, but I can't resist any book with an Eiffel Tower on the cover. And what novel characters. I'm putting The Porcelain Moon on my list.

    And Library of Legends sounds just as intriguing.

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    1. I think you will like the Porcelain Moon set in 1918 Paris.

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  5. Gorgeous looking books! Enjoy, and thanks for sharing.

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  6. These both look good and those covers are lovely. Have a great week!

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    1. Very attractive covers and stories, Yvonne.

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  7. These do sound excellent. That cover for The Porcelain Moon is wonderful, and I like the sound of the legendary elements mixed in with the historical details in Legends. I can see getting that book.

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  8. The Porcelain Moon sounds especially appealing to me. I'll keep an eye out for it as it gets closer to release!

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  9. These look good! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.

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  10. The Porcelain Moon about WWI sounds appealing. Lots of WWII books out there but iWWI s a historical period I'd like to read more of.

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    1. First WWI book I've read that I can remember.

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  11. Both of these sound good but I'd probably pick The Library of Legends first - that's a stunning cover!

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    1. I enjoyed it, especially the magical elements.

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  12. I'm currently reading a book about WWI too. It's fascinating, but it's middle grade so it's a little unrealistic. The Porcelain Moon sounds really intriguing. I'll have to check it out since I'm looking for a more adult novel about WWI.

    I hope you have a great week!

    My Sunday Post

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    1. The book is on NetGalley but will be published Feb. 21.

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  13. Nice reviews. I never knew the Japanese played much of a part in WWI. So interesting!

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    1. The Library of Legends is set in 1937 at the beginning of WWII, when the Japanese bombed Chinese cities.

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  14. Thank you so much for your lovely reviews - I love the look of The Porcelain Moon in particular as this is a slice of history completely unknown to me, too. Have a lovely week:)

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  15. The first title grabs me a bit more but I hope you enjoy both!
    Mary @Bookfan

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  16. Both stories sound intriguing and illuminate a history I have never heard about. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  17. I don't think I've ever read a WWI novel that's set in China! I like the sound of the other one, too. :D

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    1. It was a first for me too, though most of the action of The Porcelain Moon is set in Paris.

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  18. That is a lovely cover and intriguing premise. I am glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing.

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  19. The WWI and WWII eras are certainly interesting time periods to read about. Glad to hear you enjoyed both!

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    1. Glad you got to read about them. Thanks for visiting.

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  21. I've only read one of her books and I enjoyed it. These two books sound good so I'll have to add them to my wishlist as well.

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    1. I read two of her books before these more recent ones and enjoyed them.

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  22. The fantasy element in the Library novel seems wild. Part history part magic?

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    1. The saving of the books and the trips universities made to save their libraries and universities are real. The magical animals that they encounter are pure fantasy.

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