The Girl Who Played Go : Book Review

"The Girl Who Played Go" by Shan Sa is a captivating and emotionally rich novel that takes place in Manchuria during the chaos of the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. The story is cleverly divided into alternating perspectives, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of a Japanese soldier and a Chinese girl who form an unlikely connection through the game of go.

The first perspective introduces us to the Japanese soldier, who is stationed in a small town and becomes fascinated by a young Chinese girl playing go in a local square. Through his observations and interactions with her, we are exposed to the inner struggles and moral dilemmas that the soldier faces as a member of the occupying force.

On the other hand, the second perspective follows the girl, an exceptionally talented go player with a fierce determination to challenge anyone who crosses her path. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of a war-torn society, where she must navigate the hardships and sacrifices endured by the Chinese people during this tumultuous period.

Shan Sa's writing style is truly mesmerizing, with vivid and evocative descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. The historical details seamlessly blend with the characters' profound emotions, making this novel both educational and deeply moving. The game of go acts as a symbolic thread, beautifully highlighting the complexities of human nature and the ways in which war can both divide and unite individuals.

"The Girl Who Played Go" is a thought-provoking and exquisitely written novel that explores the profound impact of war on individuals. Shan Sa's storytelling prowess and her ability to breathe life into historical events make this book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction. Moreover, it offers a poignant exploration of the human psyche in times of conflict, making it a valuable choice for readers interested in the depths of the human experience.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Shan Sa's novel, The Girl Who Played Go, has been diverse, with readers offering contrasting viewpoints on the book. On the whole, it can be seen as an introspective and exquisitely written work that explores the themes of love, war, and cultural disparities through the stories of two young protagonists.

The author's ability to captivate readers with her poetic and evocative writing style was widely praised. Many admired the lyrical language employed throughout the novel and commended Shan Sa's skill in vividly portraying the characters and settings. By transporting readers to the war-ravaged city of Manchuria in the 1930s, the book creates a powerful atmosphere that immerses readers in the story. Additionally, the novel effectively presents two perspectives, that of a 16-year-old Japanese soldier and a Chinese girl of the same age, providing readers with a unique understanding of the experiences and emotions from both sides.

The book's exploration of the Chinese board game, Go, was a particular highlight for many readers. They appreciated how the game metaphorically reflects the characters' lives, encapsulating their strategies, desires, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the level of detail in the descriptions of the game was lauded, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with Go.

However, a number of readers found the novel's pacing to be slow, citing lengthy descriptions and minimal dialogue as reasons for a sense of detachment from the characters. This lack of engagement made it challenging for some readers to fully connect with the story. Additionally, while the historical backdrop was praised for its authenticity, there were concerns regarding the depth of character development, making it difficult for readers to form an emotional bond with the protagonists.

Opinions on the book's ending were also divided. While some considered it powerful and moving, others felt it was abrupt and failed to tie up loose ends. Many readers desired more closure and resolution for the characters, especially given the emotional investment they had made throughout the narrative.

TheGirlWhoPlayedGo HistoricalFiction MindGames