Bound Feet and Western Dress: A Memoir (Abridged) Audiobook

" ***1/2 Finished Bound Feet and Western Dress today. It felt very conversational, as if you were sitting in on a conversation with Yu-i and Natasha, hearing how they struggled with their own identity, their own sense of self and cultural identity. Yu-i says that in traditional China a girl was nothing, and yet the girls in her family seem valued and well-loved, though due to the family's lack of resources at a critical point they don't end up with the same advantages of education as their brothers. It seemed to me that she was made nothing by the actions of a man seeking to be modern, seeking to be part of a world that he saw as valuing people individually, rather than according to duty and family. Although it is also through this man's actions that she eventually seizes upon her own identity and value and enters the broader world with full force. She is an amazing person in her strength and in her constant giving and support to those to whom she feels tied. I definitely feel the added insight into Chinese culture, into the feelings and reasons for action, that this book provides. "

" One of the best books ever written, truly. "

" This was a book I had to read for a class a few years back. Not a book I would have picked on my own, but it was a very good book. All about Chinese culture and women...the dichotomy of bound feet and western dress. Very good story, and one that makes you appreciate our rights as women. "

" Fascinating subject in its portrayal of a Chinese and a Chinese-American woman of two very different times. Certainly not without bias, but understandably so. Modern-day portion of narrative jarring and self-indulgent at times. "

" It provided an interesting and well explained view of Chinese culture. I found the author's pieces on herself to be much less interesting than the main storyline. "

" Such a thoughtful remembrance. "

" This was such a beautiful and inspiring book! Telling the story of a young girl growing up in the old-fashioned ways of being chinease; it really makes you feel as though you to are growing up with her. Definitely one of my all-time fav books!!! 5 stars, no question. "

" The author did a great job speaking in her grandmother's voice, and I learned several interesting facts about Chinese culture. Could have done without the back and forth between the past and present - made it confusing at times. "

" I was a little disappointed with this novel. I felt Pang-Mei's autobiographical inserts were not explored with enough depth and should have been left out of this book. Chang Yu-i's story was told without much feeling and I had a hard time relating to her in a meaningful way . . . "

" I'm jealous of the author for having such an awesome aunt and being able to communicate with her. Her aunt's life is so adventurous and fulfilling, despite all odds, it makes me feel happy for her that she was able to write a book about it. Her aunt is certainly worth celebrating. "

" One of my favorite books on Chinese women and how cultural changes affects their lives. "

" I enjoy the way the two stories are interwoven. "

" The story of the woman first divorced in China, and how that led to her becoming her own woman, a source of strength to all around her, even her ex-husband, and especially his family. "

" I love memoirs and find Chinese history fascinating so this book was a good fit for me. "

" I enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about what is was like to for a Chinese woman at the turn of the century. "

" Another quick read that I really enjoyed. "

" I loved this book. It gives you an understanding of the old ways, and the duties of the wife. No matter what had to be done, Yu-i did it without any complaint, even when she felt neglected from her husband. Her story was inspiring for me because with everything she endured, she stayed strong. "

" It was so hard to read how cruelly this girl was treated when she was a child. But the way she overcame all of her obstacles was very inspiring. I loved how rebellious she was. "

" A Chinese-American tells the life story of her grandmother who was the first in her family not to have her feet bound. Interesting insight into Chinese life. "

" excellent insight into a family moving from the traditions of the bound feet to the world of modern dress. The only daughter in a chinese family and the trials associated with loving her more than wanting her to conform to the old ways. "

" It provided an interesting and well explained view of Chinese culture. I found the author's pieces on herself to be much less interesting than the main storyline. "

" A friend of mine who is Chinese gave this to me. The story is of a woman who had the first western divorce in China and her struggle with Traditional Chinese vs. westernized chinese. I would recommend this book. "

" excellent insight into a family moving from the traditions of the bound feet to the world of modern dress. The only daughter in a chinese family and the trials associated with loving her more than wanting her to conform to the old ways. "

" The story of the woman first divorced in China, and how that led to her becoming her own woman, a source of strength to all around her, even her ex-husband, and especially his family. "

" I was a little disappointed with this novel. I felt Pang-Mei's autobiographical inserts were not explored with enough depth and should have been left out of this book. Chang Yu-i's story was told without much feeling and I had a hard time relating to her in a meaningful way . . . "

" The author did a great job speaking in her grandmother's voice, and I learned several interesting facts about Chinese culture. Could have done without the back and forth between the past and present - made it confusing at times. "

" Another quick read that I really enjoyed. "

" I'm jealous of the author for having such an awesome aunt and being able to communicate with her. Her aunt's life is so adventurous and fulfilling, despite all odds, it makes me feel happy for her that she was able to write a book about it. Her aunt is certainly worth celebrating. "

" It was so hard to read how cruelly this girl was treated when she was a child. But the way she overcame all of her obstacles was very inspiring. I loved how rebellious she was. "

" I love memoirs and find Chinese history fascinating so this book was a good fit for me. "