Jen's Book Reviews

Book : Women, Seated Author : Zhang Yueran Ttranslated by : Jeremy Tiang Pages : 208 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Genre : Literary fiction, Political Thriller, Translated Literature Synopsis: From the award-winning author, an enthralling novel about the unravelling lives of a nanny and the family she works for following the downfall of its patriarch, a prominent Chinese politician Enter the world of an elite Chinese a life of luxury, limitless power, and around-the-clock service, which includes their trusted nanny Yu Ling. Slipping in and out of the shadows, careful to speak deferentially, meticulous in her care of their only son Kuan Kuan, Yu has served the family for years and knows their secrets. But little do they suspect that Yu has secrets of her own. In the pressure-cooker political environment of China, the fates of even the most powerful families can reverse overnight. When Kuan Kuan’s father and grandfather are arrested and his socialite mother goes on the run, Yu is left behind to make a ...

  Title : The Satisfaction Cafe Author : Kathy Wang Number of Pages : 352 Publishing Date : 1 July 2025 Genre :  Literary Fiction, Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction  Synopsis : Joan Liang’s life is a series of surprising developments: She never thought she would leave Taiwan for California, nor did she expect her first marriage to implode—especially as quickly and spectacularly as it did. She definitely did not expect to fall in love with and marry an older, wealthy American and have children with him. Through all this she wrestles with one persistent question: Will she ever feel truly satisfied? As Joan and her children grow older and their circumstances evolve, she makes a drastic change by opening the Satisfaction Café, a place where people can visit for a bit of conversation and to be heard and understood. Through this radical yet pragmatic business, Joan constructs a lasting legacy. Review : The Satisfaction Café is a beautifully written, bittersweet journey ...