Ties that Break, Ties that Bind

Historical fiction rocks, but it's also majorly depressing. Also, I want to note that I haven't read this book in forever, so it is kind of rusty in my mind.

Title: Ties that Break, Ties that Bind
Author: Lensey Namioka
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: 1999
Rating: 5

When I first read this, I was appalled to hear that women in China used to tie their feet to reduce their size to two to three INCHES. My feet are like 9 inches long, so that would hurt. And it did. Moat women were crippled for life and couldn't function in a normal life because their feet were CRAMPED INTO THREE INCH SHOES! That just... no!

The writing in this book wasn't very impressive, and the main character was ho-hum, but the historical facts incorporated were appealing. I did not like the book itself, but it's a must read for all history geeks, nerds, or anyone else.

Imagine this: you are five years old. Your feet are going to be bound together and cramped into shoes that make your feet tiny and crippled. What do you do? RUN! When the main character doesn't want her feet bound, she refuses and soon she is scorned in her community. She can't be wed, she can't get a job, so she runs off to become a nanny for a few children.

Then, she goes to America and starts a restaurant. The story is dull, but the history is amazing!

It has a strong message of girl-power and ability, and I wish that all girls in books were as strong as the main character, Eileen.

Pros:
-Good message
-Great History

Cons:
-bland writing style
-slow story
-unconvincing characters
-generally bland

So, you should read it, but you should not expect the best book ever.

Rating: 5 - Okay, Worth My Time

The main character, Eileen, was great because she had so much spirit and was willing to do what others weren't. I wish I had known her. Are you guys like that? Most of my friends are book characters I talk to in my head. 

No, I'm not insane... just antisocial. And a bookworm. And a writer. You know what? Just Scratch the entire not being insane thing for now.

But I did really want to talk to Eileen. She thought for herself. I just loved the character. I kind of saw her in myself. Also, isn't the title the BEST? Ties that Break, Ties that Bind. I can just picture the detachment and disagreement between family members. Very "Mulan" ish story. 

Not a great story, but a FASCINATING subject!

-Sarah

-Sarah