Within every misfortune there is a blessing and within every blessing, the seeds of misfortune, and so it goes, until the end of time."—Melissa Fu, Peach Blossom Spring.

Melissa Fu’s Peach Blossom Spring is a mosaic of survival and identity, stitching together a story across oceans and generations. Through the eyes of Meilin and her son Renshu, later known as Henry Dao, we experience the upheaval of war and the tension between embracing the future and honoring the past.

Meilin charts a course through a China inflamed by war and political upheaval, her resilience leaping off the page. Fu paints Meilin with a masterful touch—she’ " s not just a character but a force, carving out safety in a world where security is as fleeting as the wind. The narrative doesn't just recount her journey; it immerses you in the very pulse of her life’s rhythm, beat by beat.

Henry’s tale in America is one of silent battles—a man shaped by the history he yearns to forget, yet one that defines every silent space between him and his daughter. The withholding of his past is a second exile, a barrier as formidable as any ocean. Henry embodies a struggle known to many: the desire to shield the next generation from past horrors while inadvertently leaving them unanchored to their heritage.

This novel doesn’t simply traverse the physical distances between China and America; it explores the internal landscapes of its characters. It’s an exploration that sometimes moves at a breakneck pace, perhaps at the cost of deeper suspense and intricacy. Yet, this rapid progression mirrors the turbulence of the times, a life where moments and decisions come as swiftly as they go.

Blossom Spring resonates with the dissonance of Meilin’s staunch survivalism against Henry’s self-imposed cultural amnesia. It speaks to the immigrant experience not as a single event but a continual process of negotiation, with identity, with history, and with the notion of home. Fu crafts a narrative that’s not only a reflection of a family’s lineage but also a commentary on the complexities of assimilation and the indelible imprint of one's origins.

While the novel’s tempo can sometimes outpace its narrative depth, it remains an interesting exploration of what people endure in the name of hope and the silent legacies they carry. Fu’s Peach Blossom Spring is a debut that is both a witness to history and an intimate family portrait. So interesting! 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Historical fiction is outside of my normal genre, but I heard so many good things about this book I was too curious -- and I'm so glad I picked it up. The best part for me was reading the author's note and learning of her personal connection to the story, which made the experience of reading the book that much more emotional.

Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu offers a poignant and lyrical exploration of identity, memory, and the search for belonging. Set against the backdrop of rural China and the Chinese-American experience, Fu's novel weaves together multiple narratives spanning generations.

Fu's prose is luminous and evocative, painting vivid portraits of the landscapes and characters that populate her story. The novel's themes of cultural displacement and the longing for connection resonate deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its richly drawn characters, whose struggles and triumphs feel authentic and compelling. Fu's exploration of intergenerational relationships adds depth and complexity to the narrative, highlighting the ways in which the past continues to shape the present.

However, while this novel is undeniably a beautifully crafted novel, some readers may find its nonlinear structure and multiple perspectives challenging to follow. The novel's meandering narrative may detract from its overall impact for those seeking a more straightforward storytelling approach.

I really loved this family based historical fiction. The story was beautiful and the author used consistent themes and metaphors throughout the novel. It’s a story of loss and harship, but also of beauty, endurance, and love.

Interesting historical fiction novel. Thanks for the review copy. The character development was great.

Thanks, NetGalley,

I loved this book and I learned so much about China's history and the complex family dynamic. I thought it had a perfect ending. Getting a history lesson through a story where learn about the struggles and what it costs to find your place really gives me more than reading nonfiction because you connect with the characters and see the world through their eyes and the experience is powerful.
It was a beautiful story about three generations and everything they had to deal with over six decades including a civil war, immigration, and finding a place you fit. I look forward to reading more work by the author.

It is 1938 in China and, as a young wife, Meilin’s future is bright. But with the Japanese army approaching, Meilin and her four-year-old son, Renshu, are forced to flee their home, they must travel through a ravaged country, seeking refuge.

Years later, Renshu has settled in America as Henry Dao. Though his daughter is desperate to understand her heritage, he refuses to talk about his childhood. How can he keep his family safe in this new land when the weight of his history threatens to drag them down? Yet how can Lily learn who she is if she can never know her family’s story?

OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK. It's so nice to read a historical fiction book that isn't about WW2 (I'd argue) and that is more about romantic love. Like, wow. I've already made a list of events that I want to look into. I very much respect that Nanjing was mentioned in this, if only briefly, and it makes me wonder what else I may have missed. I've always been curious about Taiwanese culture and how it relates to China because I never really understood how or why it was all connected. But aside from being a point of learning, I also just loved (and hated) how relatable this was. I loved seeing the POVs from all three generations and, somehow, it made me appreciate and understand my own family and what they may have (and may still be) going through. Thank you so much for this book!

Peach Blossom Spring" by Melissa Fu is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories that explore the lives of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in North America. The stories are filled with rich imagery and vivid characters that come to life on the page.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different theme or aspect of the immigrant experience. From the struggles of assimilation and cultural identity to the complexities of family relationships and the search for belonging, Fu's stories are both poignant and relatable.

What sets this book apart is the author's ability to capture the nuances and complexities of the Chinese immigrant experience. Through her storytelling, she provides insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and traditions of the people she portrays. She also addresses the challenges that come with navigating the expectations of different generations, highlighting the difficulties of reconciling cultural traditions with the demands of modern life.

"Peach Blossom Spring" is a moving and thought-provoking collection of stories that offers a window into the immigrant experience. Melissa Fu's ability to capture the essence of the human condition through her writing is nothing short of remarkable.

Fu starts her multi-generational novel as the Japanese invade China in 1938. Meilin and her extended family fear the Japanese invaders. Her husband and other family members are off fighting. When her husband does not return, she must do everything in her power to protect her son Renshu. A decision is made to head south to a safer area. The trek is harsh and filled with danger and with the threats increasing, more of the family are lost. Meilin may have to rely upon herself to save her life and her son.

Years go by and the war is long over but now the communist regime is exerting its power. Renshu is an excellent student and he qualifies for a chance to study in America. He goes to Northwestern University on a scholarship, but it’s hard for him to fit in. He’s now known as Henry and keeps to himself, trying to never appear political. He marries and has a daughter Lily who doesn’t understand her father’s reticence to talk about his homeland. As Lily grows up, she becomes increasingly curious about her Chinese heritage.

Meilin, Renshu (or Henry) and Lily are the three generations of the Dao family that are the focus of this story of China during and following WWII. The resiliency of Meilin, the strong work ethic and apolitical life of Henry and the determination of Lily are the driving forces of a family caught up in the turbulence of war and the birth of Communist China.

Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu was a great debut novel. It was well-written and empathetic. I was impressed with the in-depth research.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book is an excellent selection for book clubs to read and discuss. It spans decades and multiple generations so there are multiple characters, cultural issues, and historical events to discuss. WWII Historical Fiction is my favorite genre but is often set in Europe. I enjoyed reading a WWII Historical Fiction novel set in China. It was a pleasurable and informative learning experience. I can't wait to discuss with my book club.

A beautifully rendered novel about war, migration, and the power of telling our stories, Peach Blossom Spring follows three generations of a Chinese family on their search for a place to call home (from the synopsis).

Melissa Fu's debut novel is an empathetic and beautiful piece of historical literary fiction that felt both impeccably researched and compassionately written.

Peach Blossom Spring follows Meilin, a woman trying to find security and safety for herself and her son during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Later on the novel focuses on son Renshu, who renames himself Henry, when he immigrates to the US to forge a life for himself.

The details and descriptions of the historical events and conflicts Fu portrays in her story came across as believable and thoughtful without distracting from the characters and their emotions. I also appreciated the depth in which Fu wrote about her characters’ experiences, such as Meilin’s journey and the gendered/sexist barriers she faced as well as Renshu/Henry’s nuanced process of acculturation into the US. Fu writes with subtlety yet great poignancy about how our pasts affect our present relationships and mindsets, both through Meilin’s relationship with her brother-in-law Longwei and with how Henry tries to minimize his Chinese heritage while in the US.

In addition to providing me with a glimpse into a piece of history I knew nothing about, Fu's beautiful book is a testament to human resilience and the spirit of survival.

What an absolutely stunning book! I’m a sucker for books that span multiple generations. One of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in awhile!

This Historical Fiction tells the story of 3+ generations of Chinese family who have to flea for their lives during the war with China and Japan, eventually ending up in the US. One of the main themes throughout is the impact that various aspects of war have on families, inter-generationally.

One of the things that resonated with me was the author's repeated use of the phrase "their names are not important" each time a woman was mentioned in the family tree. Without going into too much detail it was clear right from the start that in a Chinese family, women are not important.

The story is extremely detailed, and obviously well researched, but at times that made things a bit slow and tedious. For anyone looking for more information about the fighting between China and Japan during the same time period as WWII, this book will definitely give you a lot of really great information. The amount of detail is both a positive and a negative in this book, as it definitely gets bogged down at times but also offers some really great information for readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Little Brown and Company, for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

If you read White Amy, looking to explore themes of Chinese Americans, and were disappointed, then Peach Blossom Spring is the book for you.

While this is fiction, according to the author Melissa Fu, it did read a bit too autobiographical for my taste. Also, as a multigenerational story with three main narrators, it was a bit hard for me to feel completely immersed in any one character. Although I would love to know more about the first character, and grandmother, Meilin. American-born granddaughter Lily, however was a bit bratty and spoiled. Due to the somewhat lack of bonding to characters and storyline, I award this novel four stars. That said, it is well done and I don't think readers will be disappointed.

In the end, the ending is satisfying, as Lily finds the Chinese part of her past she's been seeking for so long. And Henry/Renshu finds peace in a Peach Blossom Spiring.

A great book for historical fiction lovers. I personally found the book a little too long and meandering at times.

This story is absolutely beautiful. I'm a sucker for a family saga, especially one that tackles resilience and identity. Learning history in this way is so magical to me.

4.5 rounded up!

I’m very surprised how much I liked this story, only because it was really hard for me to get into. I found myself not wanting to pick the book up after reading a chapter or two, wondering when I would be willing to finish this story.

Thankful for my desire to leave no started book unread, this story has become one of my favorite historical fiction reads.

I’m a sucker for multi-generational novels, especially those that have multiple POVs and are set in countries I do not know a lot about. PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING explains cultures that I haven’t learned from my everyday life, or remember from school (history was not my jam). There are so many themes within these covers, all intense, yet inspiring. Between migration, immigration, understanding your identity, doing what’s best for your family, trauma, and growth, it was hard to not have your heart strings tugged at. I found myself frustrated in how unfair these characters had it.

The dynamic and different lives among Meilin, Renshu (later Henry), and Lily was done so flawlessly, it really helped shaped the history of this family. Knowing the level of trauma each character endured that they didn’t know about each other wanted me to be the fly on the wall, trying to nudge them to talk with one another. Meilin, who would do anything for her son, Renshu. And Renshu, living his life in America yet haunted by his past. Followed by Lily, who would do anything to understand her father and his side of the family.

Truly insightful and I’m so glad I stuck with it because I know I’ll be thinking about these characters for quite some time.

Content warnings: war, rape, death, racism

I enjoyed the multi-generational aspect of this novel, and the journey it takes the reader on by featuring shifting points of view. This story focuses on immigration, pain, familial ties, and identity.

I highly recommend Peach Blossom Spring to fans of historical fiction, especially those who appreciate a well-rounded lengthy timespan that doesn't feel rushed.

Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company and NetGalley for an eARC!

I love, love, love this book. It is so well written, with a captivating plot and characters. It is heart-wrenching and gives me all the feels. Being semi-autobiographical, the book also taught me a part of history about which I knew very little.

I highly recommend this debut book and cannot wait to read the author’s next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved the book so much that I bought a hardback.