Waiting

WAITING
by Ha Jin

 Awards: National Book 1999, PEN/Faulkner 2000

 Nominations: LA Times Finalist 1999, Pulitzer Finalist 2000

 Date Read: May 4, 2019

 Almost immediately, my heart went out to Shuyu, Lin Kong's estranged wife left behind with their daughter, Hua, in the country as Lin makes his way as a doctor in the big city. Lin is embarrassed by Shuyu, who he finds old, with her country manners and bound feet. I found Lin to be an unsympathetic character, constantly cowed by the will of others and never quite setting a plan for himself. I further lost respect for him for never forging a relationship with Hua, his daughter.

 Over the years, as he pushes for a divorce each year on his summer trips to the country, I was struck by how little Lin actually cared for Manna, constantly berating her appearance. Once the divorce is finally granted, after 18 long years of waiting, the marriage to Manna brings little consolation and Lin quickly realizes he made a mistake. We waited 18 years for the wrong thing and truly misses Shuyu - her loyalty and quiet ways. He is left to deal with the mess he made of his life with Manna and now his twin sons.

 I found Waiting an interesting glimpse into Chinese culture and how the state is constantly censoring, regulating and determining everyone's future. Privacy seems almost non-existent and everyone must keep up the appearance of propriety, which could affect social standing and job opportunities. I can't imagine living in that type of environment and am so thankful to live in the US where no one really cares.

 Looking Forward: War Trash

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