Review: Captivating, thought provoking and real.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 25, 2012
Copy received from author for reviewWhere do I begin. There is so much I want to say, yet don't want to say too much. As I have to start somewhere, here goes. This is the third book in the Journey to the West trilogy by Junying Kirk. I own the first book 'The Same Moon' but sadly, haven't gotten to it yet. When Junying asked me to read Land of Hope, I was worried I wouldn't 'get' the third book precisely because I hadn't read the back stories. She assured me that it could be read as a stand-alone, and so I said yes. I'm glad I did, and will now have to - sometime in the future - start reading from the beginning. I loved this book that much!This is primarily Pearl Zhang's story told in third person. However, between what's happening with Pearl, you will read and follow pertinent characters' stories and lives written in first person POV. Normally, this is something that would not only confuse me, but something I'm not usually fond of. Not to worry with this book. All I ask of anyone who is going to read Land of Hope is to please make sure you take note when beginning a new chapter so you know to which character it pertains. Do this, and believe me, you will not be in the least confused.Would the word, 'wow' be appropriate? I think so. Junying honestly took me on a journey of note. I experienced varying degrees of emotions throughout this book. One moment I'd find myself smiling right along with Pearl due to little touches the author added to Pearl's everyday life regarding social media etc. including snippets I've come to learn about from the author, and then I'd be doing the ugly cry which left me feeling devastated. Reading about what I call the scourge of the earth, who think nothing of 'luring' and entrapping those who are desperate for new beginnings to only to make huge amounts of money off of them whether it's human trafficking, the slave trade and the sex trade is shocking to say the least. Death in droves is horrific due to packing these unfortunate people in containers much as sardines are packed, carting them goodness knows where on an excruciating journey only to use them in the end. These 'people' are savages! And, that is putting it mildly. What makes this all the more real, is the fact that the author is a real life interpreter and you can bet your bottom dollar that she's seen and dealt with more than probably most of us will ever come across in our lifetime. Her experience in this field is what makes Pearl one of the most realistic characters I've had the pleasure of not only reading about, but 'meeting'. I feel like I know her personally. She got under my skin in such a way that were it ever possible to meet her, I'd make it happen. This lady not only has guts, but she really is one of the most likeable characters I've read about. She makes life happen and is one strong and capable woman..I loved how this book was put together. The characters you come to know and whose sad lives you follow throughout the story culminate in the eventual meeting of their interpreter, none other than Pearl. Should I ever (I hope not) find myself in a situation where perhaps I'm in a foreign country and something goes wrong, I hope to God I'd have someone in my corner just like Pearl. Now, amidst all of these horrendous acts being carried out upon those who believed to have reached the Land of Hope, where the grass is apparently always greener on the other side, Pearl is going through her own personal battle of sorts. She and her husband, Andrew, have separated as he's moved to the States to teach. Feeling lonely and missing Andrew, it's not surprising that when Pearl meets DI Jack Gordon, an instant attraction sparks to life. To be honest, this particular part in the story had me gasping quite audibly, but only because my belief is that once you've committed yourself to another, come hell or high water - you do NOT ever stray or cheat, no matter the circumstances you find yourself in. You work it out and if you can't, you then sever the relationship before moving on to another. BUT. There had to be a but, I could not help but sympathise with Pearl, and dammit I really liked Jack although he too, cheated on his wife and ultimately his children. It didn't make him love them any less, but he too felt like his marriage had hit a dead end. Truth be told, I wasn't impressed with myself for liking Jack as much as I did, but I got over it. In the end, he was a man that showed his true colours - a man of honour.The love scenes between Jack and Pearl were sizzling and beautifully written. However, due to the nature of reality in this book, there are quite a few scenes that those who are not used to reading these types of descriptions, may find it hard to swallow. I will say this though, it's real, it happens and quite honestly, for one to understand the viciousness of the situation, you have to read about it. By turning away from these very issues is almost akin to apathy. I'm becoming just a tad personal here, but it equates to everything in life. Turn your face the other way when someone is in dire straits, it shows you have no compassion and ultimately no heart. Enough said.I found the characters to be fully rounded and it goes without saying really, extremely believable. Junying has now made me think even more than usual. I just know that every time I walk into a Chinese shop, I will be wondering if the young girl behind the counter is here of her own free will, which I hope is the case, or if she too was duped into thinking that she was being taken to a better life... to a Land of Hope. How sad this life we all live in really is. Most of us sit in our cozy, warm and loving homes, surrounded by all sorts of material goodies and gadgets without most times sparing a thought to those who have absolutely nothing but their souls left, and most times these people are so ripped apart that they feel even their soul is non-existent. Heart breaking. Despite the very real nature of what this author has brought to light, there are wonderful moments too. The ending was exactly what I was hoping for, albeit both a sad and happy one.I could go on and on about this book, but I won't. If you've followed the blog tour, and shame on you if you haven't because you are missing out, you will have seen what every single person who has participated has had to say, especially those who have reviewed Land of Hope. Never in my wildest dreams did I envision this book affecting me this much, yet it has. Gosh, I truly am an emotional sap and find myself choking up as I write this. The day Junying Kirk publishes her trilogy in paperback, is the day I will be hounding her for copies, because if the last book in this Journey to the West is anything to go by... I can just imagine what Pearl has gone through to reach this point in her life. I highly recommend reading this literary fiction story, you won't be sorry.