Lost And Forgotten Languages Of Shanghai (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
The novel takes place in Shanghai and I enjoyed the descriptions of the city with its narrow alleyways and crowded streets, its culture of bars and restaurants and its financial industry. I was interested to learn about the medical condition of Broca’s aphasia about which I knew nothing and I thought that the anguish and frustration which Li Jing experiences when he loses the ability to speak Chinese and cannot communicate with his family, colleagues and community was moving and frightening. His desperate isolation leads to infidelity and heartache and the novel becomes more love story than an exploration of how language and culture work together, which is what I was expecting. I thought the loyal, hardworking Chinese wife (who unrealistically takes over her husband’s business, yet makes no attempt to learn any English) and the American neurologist lacked depth. In fact, I didn’t find any of the characters really compelling. But for all that the book is well written and the plot keeps you reading. The ending at least is realistic. A rather depressing story about a man who loses the ability to speak in his first language after an accident but retains some of his second language. Sadly this means he cannot communicate with his wife and child which leads to a breakdown of the family unit. There were interesting parts to the story especially to do with the language loss known as aphasia. Also the descriptions of Chinese life were really good. However the helplessness of the main characters wore me down and the ending seemed to be without much hope. Oh and I do not like books written in the present tense! I really didn't like this book much did I?
What do You think about Lost And Forgotten Languages Of Shanghai (2011)?
Very interesting read. It's amazing the role that language plays in our self identities!
—whateverbro
Such a beautifully written book with real characters.
—prijay
