“At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China,” by Edward Wong (Viking, 2024)
Wong, a New York Times correspondent, uses his father’s memories of his childhood in Guandong province and Hong Kong — through his university studies in Beijing and his military service in both northeast and far northwest China (the “edge of empire” of the title) — as the framework to explore Imperial Chinese history and even modern-day events there. Wong, who has lived and traveled extensively throughout China, also shares his own experiences and observations, often consciously tracing his father’s footsteps, resulting in a compelling and unique perspective. But the nonlinear narrative results in much too much repetition, almost pleading for a firm editorial pen. — 2 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
“The Four Winds,” by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press, 2021)
Hannah is a top writer of historical fiction partly because of her talent for pulling readers into her stories from the first page. Hannah writes descriptively, so you can experience the times along with her characters. The hardships and the joys come through clearly, even though this book is set almost a century ago during the Dust Bowl. Hannah deepens our understanding of the role of labor unions in combatting the greed of business owners. This is my favorite of her novels. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“Independence Day,” by Richard Ford (Vintage, 1995)
The second in a series about an archetypical American protagonist with comedic oversight. Frank Bascombe, a New Jersey real estate agent (and ex-sportswriter), passes the holiday weekend with his ex-wife, his troubled son, his current lover, the tenants of one of his properties, and some clients. The novel follows Frank on a journey of self-discovery over the long Fourth of July weekend in 1988. Can he accept himself and life, shortcomings and all? In the aftermath of his divorce and the ruin of one career, he’s in his “Existence Period,” selling real estate in Haddam, N.J., and mastering the delicate call of normalcy. But over the holiday, he must engage with some unpalatable truths in real life. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1996. — 3½ stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)
“The Nature of Disappearing,” by Kimi Cunningham Grant (Minotaur Books, 2024)
Fans of Grant’s earlier works (“Silver Like Dust,” “Fallen Mountains” or “These Silent Woods”) might be disappointed by her latest work. Grant struggles to figure out what kind of novel she wants to write this time: Is it a female “buddy” story? Ode to the outdoor life? Suspense? Mystery? Romance novel? Ingenue guided by wise woman? There are bits of each element here but, in the end, Grant fails to deliver a cogent story due to her indecision. However, if you’re looking for a light “beach read” and you can just skim along noncritically, go for it. — 1 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver