River East, River West

A Novel

By: Aube Rey Lescure

Narrated by: David Shih, Jennifer Lim

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION

Set against the backdrop of developing modern China, this mesmerizing literary debut is part coming-of-age tale, part family and social drama, as it follows two generations searching for belonging and opportunity in a rapidly changing world—perfect for fans of Behold the Dreamers, White Ivy, and The Leavers.

Shanghai, 2007: Fourteen-year-old Alva has always longed for more. Raised by her American expat mother, she’s never known her Chinese father, and is certain a better life awaits them in America. But when her mother announces her engagement to their wealthy Chinese landlord, Lu Fang, Alva’s hopes are dashed, and so she plots for the next best thing: the American School in Shanghai. Upon admission, though, Alva is surprised to discover an institution run by an exclusive community of expats and the ever-wilder thrills of a city where foreigners can ostensibly act as they please.

1985: In the seaside city of Qingdao, Lu Fang is a young, married man and a lowly clerk in a shipping yard. Though he once dreamed of a bright future, he is one of many casualties in his country’s harsh political reforms. So when China opens its doors to the first wave of foreigners in decades, Lu Fang’s world is split wide open after he meets an American woman who makes him confront difficult questions about his current status in life, and how much will ever be enough.

In a stunning reversal of the east-to-west immigrant narrative and set against China’s political history and economic rise, River East, River West is an intimate family drama and a sharp social novel. Alternating between Alva and Lu Fang’s points of view, this is a profoundly moving exploration of race and class, cultural identity and belonging, and the often-false promise of the American Dream.

©2024 Aube Rey Lescure (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

I’m conflicted about the way this was written

While the themes in this story resonate and were well-described, I found the characters to be at times too self-loathing, too narcissistic, too desperate and self-destructive, so stripped of humanity. Then I get some event wherein a little bit of their humanity does shine through but fleetingly. I also find that the other characters who are different from these are too goody-two-shoes or too conscientious or insular. Most people are a blend if one is to believe the Bell curve of things. We are all complex individuals, products of nature and nurture. I find that the extremes almost stereotype them instead. But, I can see how the themes of alienation, of social ostracism, of always being in a lower rung or falling short, whether in capabilities, skin color, or social strata can push people into despair or in reckless abandonment. It’s a good first novel.

This novel and different story is engaging

This is a fresh and different story, with interracial and identify issues in a background of power, money, status and lack thereof. It mostly avoids powerful cliches. Rich and creative, it has its many strands beautifully woven together. The well developed characters have flaws and contradictions that make them very much like… real people. I recommend.

Fascinating period piece

Rich in humanity with glorious descriptive passages. I imagined myself in all of the settings like I had been there before. A masterful work, can’t wait to read what Lescure writes next.

A Moving Story of Choice & Destiny

Cross-cultural and cross-generations, the book presents the deeply emotional, interconnected destiny of three characters, who change their lives in strange, unexpected ways. Historical fiction and bildungsroman.

Did not connect with the characters

3 stars for River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure. The writing is beautiful but I honestly did not connect with any of the characters until the last page. I found the reverse immigration theme to be such an interesting concept and the author really transports the reader to China. However, I just didn't like the characters. I am not saying I have to like a character to like the story, but I at least have to care about what happens to them. The first half of the book I was a little bored and sped the audio up to 2.0 before I was even 60% in. Also trigger warnings - alcoholism, child neglect, grooming, and suicide. I've read reviews from readers who loved this book, so take my review with a grain of salt. I think it would work best for readers who enjoy experiencing other cultures and dysfunctional family drama.