Night Of Many Dreams
Gail Tsukiyama

Pan Macmillan: St Martin's Griffin 2001

275p pbk $20.00

0-312-19940-6           

Genre: Historical  

Night of Many Dreams is an absorbing historical novel set amongst the backdrop of post World War Two Hong Kong. The author's subtle storytelling style lets readers easily immerse themselves in the lives of the Lew sisters. Emma is the plain, intelligent, thoughtful younger sister and Joan is the beautiful older sister who survives on her beauty and wit.

The novel opens with the family dealing with the increasing turbulence associated with the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. The Lew women finally gain some respite by escaping to the tropical confines of Macao.

Tsukiyama is particularly interested in family dynamics and the importance that rituals such as food preparation and eating play in life. 

What is particularly appealing about the novel is the strong character of Aunty Go who provides young female readers with a positive role model of a single successful lady.  This novel would probably appeal to female senior English students.  The novel does contain a scene, which sees the attempted rape of Joan Lew by a Japanese soldier. However, the language in this particular scene is not too graphic.  The attempted rape could provide an interesting issue for discussion in class.

Overall, Night of Many Dreams is an engaging novel as it examines the trials and tribulations that young people face growing up.  The complexities associated with love, fate, family and self-aspirations combined with the majestic splendour of Hong Kong provide readers with an absorbing tale.

Bernadette, Canberra, ACT

What is the book about?: It is about a family in Hong Kong. It’s based in the 1930s – 1960s. It goes through all their struggles and hardships, their joys and triumphs. It revolves mostly around two sisters who try to find their place in the world.

Genre: Historical, cultural with a bit of romance.

Age intended for: Year 9 upwards.

Does the book appeal to it’s intended audience?: I think it would. It depends what you like really. It’s good for it’s historical and cultural content and would appeal to people who enjoy history.

Is the choice of topic suitable for the intended age group?:  I think that it is suitable because they’ve reached the age that they can understand it to its full potential.The storyline was good because it shares with people other experiences in different cultural backgrounds.

Night of Many Dreams has appropriate, not too complicated language. The print is ideal and would suit any reader.

Personal response: I thought this book was excellent. It opens up to different ideas and beliefs about the war and the suffering the Chinese put up with.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Amy, rural NSW