The Third Son

English language

Published Jan. 9, 2013 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

ISBN:
978-1-61620-079-4
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3 stars (2 reviews)

In the middle of a terrifying air raid in Japanese-occupied Taiwan, Saburo, the least-favored son of a Taiwanese politician, runs through a forest for cover. It’s there he stumbles on Yoshiko, whose descriptions of her loving family are to Saburo like a glimpse of paradise. Meeting her is a moment he will remember forever, and for years he will try to find her again. When he finally does, she is by the side of his oldest brother and greatest rival.

1 edition

Review of 'The Third Son' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

 



This synopsis sort of made me cringe. I've read the whole "my brother is marrying the girl I want" story so many times. I'm over it. This isn't that though. There was a delightful change.


Saburo gets the girl. Actually, even better, the girl makes up her own mind and chooses him over his brother. Yes, a female main character with agency. I love her. She's tough and independent minded. She's chafing under the demands of her time and place. She's determined to change her life and basically pushes him to get them where they need to be. That isn't the whole point of the book either.  That happens partway through and the rest of the book is about their life.  

This is the second book I read because of Shenwei's post about the 228 Massacre in Taiwan. This first one was The 228 Legacy. I enjoyed …

Subjects

  • Self-realization
  • Fiction
  • History