I recently read February Flowers, a first time novel by Fan Wu. The book was exceptionally well written, which in and of itself is impressive, but even more so with this book because the author is not writing in her native language. Her command of English paired with her fluid, poetic way with imagery and detail make the book a joy to read, as the reader is bathed in the world Wu creates.

The novel begins as college students Ming and Yan form an unlikely friendship. Ming is quiet, bookish, idealistic and exceptionally sheltered while Yan is worldly, jaded and tossed to and fro on the waves of impulse. The book is set in modern China, which creates many challenges and difficulties for the girls as they struggle to escape the classism and societal expectations that they face.

It is evident that the two girls are metaphors for old and new China. Both struggle in their newfound roles, one brazenly barging ahead in any way she can manage and the other quietly, almost with regret leaving the tradition and consistency of the old way of life. They take insight from each other, but neither is willing to concede that the other’s way of life is superior. In many cases the girls are both jealous and ashamed of each other.

Although this is a coming of age story, it seems to leave the reader unsettled, wondering if Ming ever truly arrived. Bythe end of the book her innocence has been shattered, but she clings so tightly to her childlike idealism one has to question whether or not she has completed her journey. Her earlier, almost unbelievable naivety has been erased, however, her roots provide such a grounded perspective for her that although she accepts, she cannot embrace the new ways she has learned.

February Flowers is a thought provoking read, and I give it a thumbs up.

This review sponsored by Mother Talk.