Comments (21)

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Jan 25, 2024mlhadley1 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Priscilla recommended this A beautifully written story based on factual situations in the 1880's in Washington Territory in Seattle and Orcas Island. Liu Mei Lien is the story teller in the historical section of the book. Inara Erickson…
Sep 28, 2021sxbook rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this book. Almost heartbroken when reading the ending part of Mei Lien. Part of the story happened after the Chinese Exclusion Act 1882. Helped me understand how those early Chinese immigrants suffered.
May 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it within a few days. Loved the storyline about a Chinese woman living in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800’s.
Nov 19, 2020betsymarzoni rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
An emotionally satisfying book, the story jumps between a Chinese woman, Mei Lien, living in the Northwest during the late 1800's and the racism of the era and a young woman of privilege, Inara Erickson, who is trying to fulfill her own…
Jun 23, 2020JCLCatherineG rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
While there were some flaws with the characters and relationships in this story, I really enjoyed the setting. The description of Orcas Island in the Pacific NW was fascinating for this Missouri native.
May 26, 2020
I couldn’t even finish this book. The modern day love story was trite and predictable. It sounded more like a Harlequin Romance than a serious novel. I’ve heard people saying they learned a lot about history reading the book, but the…
Mar 29, 2020esrobbins rated this title 1.5 out of 5 stars
As a lifelong resident of Seattle, it was fun to know all the places (and weather!) she described in the book. The basis of this story is surrounded by the Chinese Exclusion Act which I enjoyed learning about. I had no idea about it…
Feb 06, 2020
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, is a very good story. From the first page i have enjoyed the book
Jan 20, 2020Daisybates rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Very intense saga that was engaging from the beginning. It is based on events that were a part of Washington State's historical relationship with Chinese immigrants who came to America in the late 1800's and the harsh treatment they…
Jan 07, 2020ArapahoeKati rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I wanted to like this more, but the characters felt flat, though I enjoyed how the storylines came together (albeit very neatly). Reminded me of Sarah Jio.
Mar 17, 2019goldenfran rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. I learned a lot about the Chinese immigrants especially in the Pacific Northwest and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 which I had never heard of. I think this book captures the feelings very well of the two main women…
Jun 16, 2018southendsnob rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Great story. I loved that it was set in the PNW and was so educational. Heartbreaking but a good portrayal of history. Fun read.
May 23, 2018mgbalura rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A tear jerker! The author did a good job of conveying race relations between Chinese and European Americans at the time. Although the plot can be predictable at times, it's based on historical events so it shouldn't come as a surprise. I…
Oct 17, 2016EmilyEm rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A friend recommended I read this for the family history research in its plot and our shared love of textiles. This is the author’s debut novel although an interview in my paperback copy says she’s written several romance novels. I kept…
Sep 07, 2016
This is a wonderful read - the local aspect makes it even more appealing and it is obviously well researched. If you are a fan of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet you will undoubtedly enjoy this book!
Dec 23, 2015d2013 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Good captivating story based on true events. Love the back and forth from the 1800's to modern day.
Kaycross
Oct 29, 2015Kaycross rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The story of two girls, separated by race and time, both searching for freedom, acceptance and love whose histories finally collide in a tale of hatred, racism, love and forgiveness. A very good read.
Oct 15, 2015wongsokguan rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Every new ethic group has experienced racial prejudices born to ignorance in the US. The courage it takes to survive is such a hostile environment is a part of US history. It's not just about the white Europeans that settled here. This…
Sep 28, 2015snowdove rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. It takes place on Orcas Island, WA. I learned a great deal about Asian history in WA. A great read. I highly recommend this book
Sep 12, 2015ERIN CHANG rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is a well written story of the tragic life of an American born Chinese girl in Tacoma during the time of the exclusion act. Told through the eyes of both the woman who embroiders her history and the woman who finds the embroidery…
Aug 18, 201599helpMe rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I couldn't put down. Excellent. I appreciated the author's research.