Night Of Many Dreams
Gail Tsukiyama

Pan Macmillan: St Martin's Griffin 2001

275p pbk $20.00

0-312-19940-6          

Genre: Historical  

Night of Many Dreamsis an absorbing historical novel set amongst the backdrop of post World War TwoHong Kong. The author's subtle storytelling style lets readers easily immersethemselves in the lives of the Lew sisters. Emma is the plain, intelligent,thoughtful younger sister and Joan is the beautiful older sister who survives onher beauty and wit.

The novel opens with the familydealing with the increasing turbulence associated with the Japanese occupationof Hong Kong. The Lew women finally gain some respite by escaping to thetropical confines of Macao.

Tsukiyama is particularlyinterested in family dynamics and the importance that rituals such as foodpreparation and eating play in life. 

What is particularly appealingabout the novel is the strong character of Aunty Go who provides young femalereaders with a positive role model of a single successful lady. This novel would probably appeal to female senior English students. The novel does contain a scene, which sees the attempted rape of Joan Lewby a Japanese soldier. However, the language in this particular scene is not toographic.  The attempted rape couldprovide an interesting issue for discussion in class.

Overall, Night of Many Dreams is an engaging novel as it examines the trialsand tribulations that young people face growing up.  The complexities associated with love, fate, family andself-aspirations combined with the majestic splendour of Hong Kong providereaders with an absorbing tale.

Bernadette, Canberra, ACT

Whatis the book about?: Itis about a family in Hong Kong. Its based in the 1930s 1960s. It goesthrough all their struggles and hardships, their joys and triumphs. It revolvesmostly around two sisters who try to find their place in the world.

Genre:Historical, cultural with a bit of romance.

Ageintended for: Year 9 upwards.

Doesthe book appeal to its intended audience?: I think it would. It dependswhat you like really. Its good for its historical and cultural content andwould appeal to people who enjoy history.

Isthe choice of topic suitable for the intended age group?:  Ithink that it is suitable because theyve reached the age that they canunderstand it to its full potential.Thestoryline was good because it shares with people other experiences in differentcultural backgrounds.

Nightof Many Dreamshas appropriate, not too complicated language. The print is ideal and would suitany reader.

Personalresponse:I thought this book was excellent. It opens up to different ideas and beliefsabout the war and the suffering the Chinese put up with.

Iwould recommend this book to anyone.

Amy,rural NSW