Message from karenrieger

[Anonymous]

Chapters 1-3

In high school I read Inn of the Sixth Happiness and the descriptive detail in that book still lives in my my mind. When Meyer trudges up the frozen lane and enters his friend's house for their weekly dinner and goes to warm himself on the kang I knew immediately what a kang was, how it looks and feels. It was like finding something comforting and familiar. Country people in both China and the United states are dawn to the bright lights and opportunities of the big cities. Big cities let you recreate yourself and leave your past behind. In both countries small towns know all your family's secrets. You are forever someones daughter, granddaughter, a forever child. In Chinese areas other than rural Manchuria you are asked where (Which geographic region)you are from. However in rural Manchuria you are asked what family do you belong to? In the US it is usually what do you do for a living? Meyer did not have a large multi-generational family growing up and he really valued Frances's family and village. He appreciates every little nuance that she takes for granted. She is annoyed with local preoccupation with traditional roles for women. No one in Wasteland finds value in her high powered career. A huge difference between China and the US is the state imposed restrictions that prevent farmers from selling their homes and relocating to a place of their choosing. Another big difference is China's one child policy and its enforcement. Reading between the lines, there was a serious reason for the family to send Frances to be raised in Wasteland.