Along the River is a quick read that explores the importance of art and the challenges of growing up. Author Yen Mah offers vivid descriptions of ancient Chinese life during the Song Dynasty. Readers will be entertained by the book’s fascinating details about cricket fights, calligraphy, and jade carving, to name a few.
Though the amount of detail was astounding, the pages were often too heavy with facts and lacked enough dialogue to keep the story moving. Several events seemed too unbelievable and unlikely, even for a fairy tale. The two time periods (modern day and Song Dynasty) lacked cohesion and the ending was suprisingly abrupt and without closure. Along the River is a quick read for those interested in learning more about ancient Chinese culture.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House Children’s Books
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: ***
Violence/Gore: A secondhand account indicates two people were killed in a fire. An individual recalls his father being stabbed and dying from his injuries. A woman slaps a child and attempts to bind her feet, breaking several of the child’s toes.
Sex/Nudity: There are a few discussions about eunuchs, including an explanation referencing castration.
Mature Subject Matter:
Socioeconomic conflict.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
***
