A Thousand Years of Good Prayers
Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 2005
220
Short Story Collection • Fiction
2005
Adult
18+ years
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li explores themes of identity, culture, and freedom through the lives of predominantly Chinese and Chinese-American characters. In stories like "Extra," "After a Life," "Immortality," and "The Princess of Nebraska," characters navigate personal and societal challenges amidst changing cultural landscapes. The collection delves into complex relationships, generational conflicts, and the search for belonging. Some stories involve disability, mental health issues, and past traumas.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
4,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Yiyun Li's A Thousand Years of Good Prayers is praised for its poignant prose and deep exploration of Chinese-American identity. Readers commend its compelling characters and emotional depth. However, some find its pacing uneven and a few stories less engaging than others. Despite minor drawbacks, the collection offers an evocative glimpse into cross-cultural experiences.
Readers who savor poignant, character-driven stories about Chinese culture, generational conflict, and immigrant experiences will enjoy Yiyun Li's A Thousand Years of Good Prayers. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri will find similar thematic richness and emotional depth.
4,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
220
Short Story Collection • Fiction
2005
Adult
18+ years
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