Floating and Sinking on the Sea of Officialdom

Having read the authors first book  "Sailing Across The Red Storm” , I was delighted to find out about this sequel .  I was intrigued to find out more about the devious character Cai Wenge and the Taoist Monks ‘s predictions, linking the 3 love admirers  entangled in Zhang Feng's life .  References to Tiananmen  Square and the students uprising were so striking . So much of this book links to  factual events and draws the reader in to find out more .    I enjoyed this book so very much . It's beautifully written and such an enjoyable read due to the enduring carefully created love story . The book is littered with  references to life in China after the cultural revolution and political persecution of the protagonist  which is so enlightening.

The author has done it again! I was worried that this book would not be as good as the first but I need not have been concerned! Due to the rich character description, I was hooked from the first page and I was desperate to keep reading to see what would happen to these characters - whom now almost feel like friends. Alongside the theme of love and friendship, run the political and economic struggles in China's past. This book is both educational and entertaining. I cannot wait to read book 3!

An intriguing book with an enchanting setting. I would read more from this author. An escape from the everyday in an easy-to-read style. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/238248/review/613047

An engaging and gripping read! This second volume of the trilogy is written in simple, easy to read English. In particular for non-Chinese or overseas Chinese, this makes understanding the historical events in this important period of modern China a lot easier. This was the time after the Cultural Revolution, a socialpolitical movement from 1966 through 1976. The enchanting love story went on. The novel is in simple English, yet it is beautifully written and is with a wide vocabulary, making the read inspirational, enjoyable and impelling. The love story was as complex as its historical background; it was a triangle love with three very open-minded, selfless, deep affection, loyal, and kind hearted souls. It is a wonder to see these three individuals being so very thoughtful towards each other, always thinking for the benefit of the other two. It is a book one wants to go on reading, and does not want to put down. I was totally absorbed, and was eager to learn what would be next for the main character and the people around him, and the economical and political development in China at the time. A great number of characters are involved, the List of Characters at the beginning of the book is of great help. A very compelling Chinese historical novel with a gripping love story! I enjoyed the reading, and have kept thinking about it afterwards. An artwork provokes thoughts. I hope the third volume will not take long to publish!