Most World War II era books, particularly those which focus on Jewish refugees, are set in Europe. Instead,The Song of the Jade Lily focuses on Jewish refugees who settled in China. The change of setting isn't the only item that sets this historical book with a mystery apart.
Australian author Kirsty Manning has turned the genre of World War II fiction on its head with her book The Song of the Jade Lily which tells the little known story of Jewish refugees who settled in China. They lived and worked right along with individuals of many nationalities in Shanghai. Manning weave a wonderful, layered story which uses time-shift to alternate between the main character who is now an elderly woman in Australia and her grand-daughter who is exploring her adopted heritage while living in Shanghai and the World War II story of the main character and her friends and family. This technique masterfully unfolds the story little by little until everything falls into place. To have not only people but the setting shift back and forth between the time periods provides another avenue to share clues which help the reader solve the unfolding mystery. While the clues of what happened to the main characters are unveiled, the reader is swept into the horrors of World War II China particularly under Japanese occupation. Manning vividly portrays the horrors both Jewish refugees and Chinese citizens experienced. Highly recommended!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Song of the Jade Lily via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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