This is a fascinating multi-timeline novel about one family. The genealogical history is outlined at the beginning and it will help immensely to refer to it. I took a picture on my phone and was able to keep track of the various members of this interesting family.

The story opens with Daniel in 2049. He is elderly and a loner with a burdensome past. After learning about his story, we are drawn back to various time zones and different relatives one of which was said to be historical figure, Chinese bush-ranger, Ah Yang.

I really enjoyed this one. The stories were moving – Wendy who is Daniels aunt, and his great Aunt Ruby who tries her hand at acting in Hollywood. While we don’t get to know Ah Yang well, we do get his story from Maria who is the matriarch. It’s beautifully written and the Chinese heritage interwoven throughout the family makes for interesting experiences.

I was completely absorbed with each of the characters and the richness of their absorbing stories. Because we really only get a glimpse into each of the lives of the characters, we are left yearning for a little bit more. But I think the author has done a great job packing as much in to each sentence as she can to give us just enough.

Check it out.