Why a Booktrail?
1985, 2007: a mixed family’s troubled trajectory through developing China.
River East River West
What you need to know before your trail
A mesmerising reversal of the east–west immigrant narrative set against China’s economic boom, River East, River West is a deeply moving exploration of race, identity and family, of capitalism’s false promise and private dreams.
Shanghai, 2007: feeling betrayed by her American mother’s engagement to their rich landlord Lu Fang, fourteen-year-old Alva begins plotting her escape. But the exclusive American School – a potential ticket out – is not what she imagined.
Qingdao, 1985: newlywed Lu Fang works as a lowly shipping clerk. Though he aspires to a bright future, he is one of many casualties of harsh political reforms. Then China opens up to foreigners and capital, and Lu Fang meets a woman who makes him question what he should settle for…
Travel Guide
Shanghai and Qingdao
Two locations in this novel
Shanghai, 2007: Life at the expat school – the American School in Shanghai. 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.
Qingdao 1985 by the sea – Lu Fang is a young, married man and a lowly clerk in a shipping yard
BookTrail Boarding Pass: River East, River West
Destination: Shanghai, Qingdao Author/guide: Aube Rey Lescure Departure Time: 1985, 2007
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