"A family drama that is well written"
In Shaoyang, China the generation gaps between family
members is as wide as the Great Wall. Differences between
the outlooks of three age groups can be seen everywhere in
the city as heritage and custom war with the encroachment
of modernization. The geriatric set still dreams of a
return to the "glory" days of Chiang. The "baby boomers"
cherish the memories of the ideals of Maoism. While the
Gen X and Y crowd employ western style economics. Da Shan renounced his parents beliefs in communism as
he adopts quite nicely to the free market before returning
home a wealthy businessman even as his hometown's factory
closes. His deserted girlfriend Liu Bei supports their son
through another western economic system, prostitution.
Meanwhile another young woman Peach sees Da Shan as a means
of escape even as she spends time with a peasant. The
future is confusing for everyone as seniors, middle age,
and the young skirmish for control of twenty-first century
China. THE DRINK AND DREAM TEAHOUSE is an insightful look at
modern day China through three generations of several
families. The story line uses wit and humor to ease the
austere outlook that each age group feels betrayed by what
they most cherish. The characters are the key to this
novel as the ensemble cast brings home a vivid disparity
within a complex story line worth reading by those
interested in an engaging look at an awakening giant. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted October 29, 2001
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