‘River East, River West’ by Aube Rey Lescure- Women’s Prize Shortlist 2024

[@BobTheBookerer]

Quick edit! I made some mistakes in this video about where Alva was born (thank you to people in the comments for alerting me to it!) My brain was apparently mush when I was recording it, and I did think something felt weird when I was talking about her doing the final high school exams in China when I’d just been talking about her in the US 🤦‍♂️ My thoughts in the rest of the video still stand, but please ignore those bits- still not sure how I managed to do that! I will try to re-film it when I can!

[@lauracorsi3309]

I loved this one! Really hoping against hope that it wins!

[@KDbooks]

I can’t believe you broke into someone’s house just to “change up the background a bit”

[@BobTheBookerer]

Just let them try and stop me!

[@bookofdust]

Have you ever read Iron & Silk by Mark Salzman? It is a memoir of the time he spent in China for two years teaching English at a medical school and further developing his martial arts training. He was one of the earliest Westerner allowed in the country after Nixon reestablished communication and the book is a study on cultural differences, connections and divides. He had studied Chinese and martial arts in his suburban Connecticut home as an outcast amongst his family and community, but could only grasp a sliver of understanding of what China meant, having equally been cut off from them as they were to us. It’s a lovely eye opening, life transforming experience that gave me great insight into cultural differences and perceptions when I read it in my early 20s. He then went back and wrote another memoir of his childhood years as well.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Ooh, I haven’t, but thanks for the recommendation- that sounds fascinating!

[@littlejohnuk]

I thought this book was solid and had a really mature yet -playful vibe and the characters are still in my head a week later. Do you think Aube Rey Lescure was trying to see if Alva could go for something more dynamic than just `simply` American-Chinese and then Chinese-American, There was a certain level of karmic reward in the end.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Yes! It’s so well done, I think! And I like that idea a lot about the end of the book!

[@judybrown1624]

Did we read the same book?Alva was China born, wasn't she?

[@BobTheBookerer]

Sorry, you’re absolutely right! I’m not sure what my brain was doing when I filmed this! I managed to confuse myself!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

River East River West is the only book I haven’t read from the shortlist. I have started it but I doubt I’ll have it finished before the winner is announced. Booker in July? Wonder what will be on the long list.

[@heatherkirkland9056]

I read this that daughter was born in china (her mother left home very young and ended up in china ). She did what she did to survive single parent . Her young daughter later wanting to go to American school, understanding she is Chinese/ American nether American or Chinese. Doesn't fit in - the point off story were does one fit in if born mixed race living in different cultures. That is my understanding book which i took away. She is young person tournamented between two worlds wanting to belong . Mother back story heatbreaking not easy life , love story both main characters meeting up again little toxis but than the story starts again how will he fit into American culture when they go to America as family ? Story will start again with him in world that will judge.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Sorry, you’re right about where she was born! But yes, I thought the story of the mother and how she did what she needed to survive was so beautifully done!

[@heatherkirkland9056]

@BobTheBookerer Hi Bob, I thought I missed something . Always love your reviews very interesting. Sorry about spelling previously, etc. typo phone is not always easy. I must learn to keep comments short !! Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts today .