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Tony Parsons
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Pages: 384 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 0007226489
Pub: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Pub date: 2008-02-18
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 24719
Reader Reviews:
Great story but fizzled out (0/0 people found this helpful)
The writing style overall is simplistic, but this almost makes the emotional power of his observations and reflections all the more powerful. As I read the book I almost smelt and tasted Shanghai.
Overall, there is a gripping start to this book, but sadly towards the end the author seems to have been rushing to finish. The last few chapters appear rushed and not as well written.
A bit like the world of Suzy Wong (0/0 people found this helpful)
This is great trash. The settings are great and well written. The descriptionof Shanghai is excellent. The plot and characters are pretty simple and the dialogue average. But what kept me hooked was the alieness of modern China. I don't know if Tony Parsons has lived ther, but it came over as real. I enjoyed still enjoyed the book.
Essential reading for those planning to spend time in China (1/1 people found this helpful)
I bought and read this book whilst stuck in transit at Heathrow for 7 hours (sound familiar?) having just arrived back from Shanghai.
It is a very easy read and, were it not for my being able to relate to the Shanghai setting, I would have given it fewer stars.
The plot is simple and predictable; far behind Tony Parsons' best work. However, he is absolutely spot on in his evocation of present day expat Shanghai. For this reason, I recommend it as essential reading for anyone (regardless of their marital status!) who is going to spend time in Shanghai or elsewhere in mainland China.
Rubbish (2/2 people found this helpful)
This book is very disappointing. The protagonist is entirely unsympathetic, the characters are as flat as pieces of cardboard, and author seems to have no idea what on earth he's doing in terms of his message / a structure / even a point ... Parsons is neither nuanced enough nor sensitive enough to give his themes of love, sex and sexual obsession the depth and consideration they deserve. Steer well clear unless you need something to rest your coffee cups on.
ever get the feeling youve been cheated? (1/3 people found this helpful)
I've been a fan of Parsons writing for a long time and, most of, his books are highly enjoyable from start to finish, so i set about this long awaited latest offering full of zeal and enthusiasm. It wasn't long before my heart sank.
It feels like i've been invited to a good friends house only to be forced to watch an endless slide show of far eastern delights.
There really is no story to speak of, just continued references to Shanghai's social political and cultural idiosyncrasies.
When you get back from your holiday Tony, concentrate on writing a decent plot, please.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> General
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> By Period -> General AAS
Books -> Special Features -> Regular Stores -> Favourites in Books
Books -> Special Features -> Regular Stores -> New Releases
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
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Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover
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