Xinyu Gao Gao itibaren Karyochori 502 00, Yunanistan itibaren Karyochori 502 00, Yunanistan

While this book did have some excellent insight into Chinese life of another era, it wasn't exactly an enjoyable writing style for me. The stories jumped around and I rarely knew who I was reading about. However, I did notice that each vignette was about a mother, who was very Chinese, and a daughter who was more American, and the conflicts that seemed to bring. Although this was a specific conflict of two contrasting cultures, most mothers and daughters could probably relate to some of these controversies, and perhaps even find some insight into their own conflict with mother or daughter. Worthwhile book to read, I would almost assuredly never read it again.

A spin-off from the Outlander series, this mystery novel follows the life of Lord John Grey, living in 18th century London. Unlike the Outlander series, this novel is a much lighter (and shorter!) read; lacking gory surgical/medical details and uncomfortable scenes of violation. However, the book still remains true to Gabaldon's style; giving a detailed glimpse into 18th century life and the political and social intrigues of the upperclass. The fact that the story is told through the viewpoint of a homosexual male living in that time period makes it even more interesting to me. Apart from dealing with the already complicated social standards of the time, Lord John treads carefully in a world where being a "sodomite" could cost you your life. The book starts off with Lord John's somewhat humorous predicament, of accidentaly seeing a pox mark on the genitalia of his cousin's betrothed while in the privy. Knowing this is a matter of utmost delicacy, Lord John attempts discreet inquiries to either confirm or deny his suspicions. Simultaneously, a soldier, and suspected traitor, is found murdered and it is Lord John's duty to get to the bottom of it. *******SPOILERS BELOW***************************** The one thing I felt odd about this book was near the ending, when Lord John tracks Trevelyan all the way to the ship. It was kind of anticlimactic. Once it was apparent that the ship had taken off and Lord John was stuck on there, Trevelyan was all "hey you found me but its too late now yet I'll just sit here and tell you everything". I guess it was just a bit disapointing after the excitement of pursuit, to have such a civilized antagonist who gives you a "wrap up" of all the events before setting you free and sending you on your merry way back home. Apparently you're supposed to forget that he is a murderer and be happy he gets away as long as the papers are recovered! Or maybe you are supposed to be content with the fact that he will probably die soon of syphillis or the fever! Either way I felt the final confrontation lacked the excitement I was expecting, and therefore the book lost a star in my rating.