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Search - Waiting
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Book Description:
"Waiting" is the story of Lin Kong, a man living in two worlds, struggling with the conflicting claims of two utterly different women as he moves through the political minefields of a society designed to regulate his every move and stifle the promptings of his innermost heart. For more than seventeen years, the ambitious doctor has been in love with an educated, clever, modern woman, Manna Wu. But back in the traditional world of his home village lives the wife his family chose for him when he was young -- a humble and touchingly loyal woman, whom he visits every summer, year after year, in order to ask unsuccessfully for a divorce. Ha Jin draws on his intimate knowledge of contemporary China to create a novel of unexpected richness and feeling.Members who requested this book also requested:
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Genres:Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD, Audio CD (Library MP3-CD)
Top Member Reviews
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Marvelous book. "Waiting" reminded me of a Chinese version of Wharton's "Ethan Frome." "Waiting" is told from three points of view, but never confusingly. The characters and their respective plights are engrossing, patient, kind, and full of little foibles to remind us that they are human characters, not simply dusty one-sided protagonists. With Communist rule in the background and human frailties in the front, "Waiting" is a beautiful read, and one that is well worth it.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book. It has a wonderful stillness to it that matches Lin's patience. Just a beautiful book.
Debby . from LUTZ, FL wrote on 3/25/2007...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Nattional Book Award winner
Pen/Faulkner Award
Pulitzer prize finalist
NewYork times notable book
Great story
Leela D. from HUNTSVILLE, AL wrote on 12/20/2005...
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this...even though the pace is slow...it is full of subtle details.
K. K. from ZELLWOOD, FL wrote on 10/8/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book has broad appeal because it uses the constraints of the Chinese culture and circumstances, that could easily be translated to any other culture, even the Western culture. The main character is torn between love and obligation. This book follows the impact of his struggle with being honorable or following his desire over a period of years.
Susan R. from BARTONSVILLE, PA wrote on 11/24/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
The term "waiting" is extremely descriptive for this book. The main characters are waiting for the male to obtain a divorce so they can marry. As a reader this action or lack-of action seems to take a long time, exactly what the author plans. In the end the "moral-to -the-story" is very clear, and worth waiting for. Well written, interesting human life-events occur. Winner of the National Book Award.Well deserved.
Jen M. from NORTH EASTON, MA wrote on 9/12/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
didn't love this book. It dragged on and gave a very predictable ending. I was lost as far as time period until they actually gave it to me somewhere in the middle. That is something a good writer leads you into without the need to actually spell it out.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is a great learning experience about life, and realizing that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It also gives you some cool facts about another culture. I really enjoyed it!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
It was hard to put this book down. Great picture of life in China during and after the Cultural Revolution. A good read.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wonderful latent style of writing, kept me turning the pages, wanting to understand how the characters thought. Reminded me so very much of French existentialists.
Rate These Member Reviews
A story that happens during the Cultural Revolution that captures the emotional struggles of a man who is torn between duty and love. A simple story that captures your heart. Nothing sappy or crude or political, just a story that unfolds. Deservedly so, is a winner of the National Book Award.
Waiting - does waiting bring you happiness, or does it skew your perspective? At what price do you adhere to the Party line?