 | Category: | Books | | Genre: | Literature & Fiction | | Author: | Jennifer Cody Epstein |
I read the book's review in NYT and picked it up due to its intriguing story about a painter from Shanghai's golden era who used to be a prostitute. While it is a work of fiction, the story is based on the real life painter Pan Yu Liang who is famous for her beautiful nude paintings which combine both the western and chinese painting styles.
At 14 and orphaned, she was sold to a brothel by her uncle. She then attracted the attention of a wealthy official who made her his mistress. He also encouraged her to pursue her passion of painting. She defied the norm by winning a place to study art in the Shanghai Art School and won scholarships to Europe. She left China when her art was under attack for indecency: she painted nude women, western-style, and often used herself as a model.
I didn't expect much as I understand it's a no-brainer perfect for my beach holiday but the story is too superficial. While the description of her days in the brothel is horrifying, the central question posed on the book, can a prostitute escape her past (or something similar), was not answered in the end. The story went on and on about her angelic saviour, the wealthy government official, and the exotic whims of artists who suffered for his or her arts. The writer's padding of the already known facts was thin and typical. It is a pity, really, because Pan's life story is fascinating which may be better told in a form of biography.   | thanks for the review! it's always good to know which books deserve being read and possessed, and which do neither!
p.s. banner di atas ganti lagi ya.. keren! |
 | tkmaia wrote on May 4, edited on May 4  why do I get a feeling that a lot of westerners think chinese ladies are either mistresses or prostitutes... is it because the first story out was that play called madame butterfly.. wait but that was a guy and it was in japan !! But white people don't see this difference do they..hihi. Overly romanticized oriental life ya. Oriental ladies = sex! .. There must be other stories :D btw. I like your new pics up there! :). Hey how do i get the star out of my reply, i'll just pic one then.... |
 | Alo Vennn.. wah, gua nunggu deh kapan ini masuk layar lebar aja deh hehe..
btw, beach holiday kemana neh?? lo ke French Riviera neh ceritanya hehe.. |
 | Berat nih bacaannya Ven =)
tapi covernya bagus... |
| |
and which do neither 
