In a Land of Paper Gods

An interesting story, narrated mostly by a young girl growing up in a Christian missionary boarding school in China. The majority of the students are children of missionaries working elsewhere in the country and are separated from their parents sometimes for years, a situation made worse by the Japanese invasion and their internment in camps for the duration of the war. Alternating between scary and hilarious, their teenage rebelliousness is channeled into religious zeal with ultimately tragic results. The main character Etta is an engaging personality, having to make her own way at a young age in an uncertain world. and her ‘coming of age’ is sensitively handled. Very well written, there is some great dialogue and relationships between the children and between children and adults.

One of the most poignant aspects for me was the effect of long-term separation on families. In their minds the children are still little and look forward to the old cuddly relationship with their parents, but they are all grown up now, ‘the wrong size’ and awkward - will there be a happy-ever-after when they are reunited? Some opt for a fresh start somewhere like Australia but for those returning to a Britain they have scarcely known the transition is going to be difficult.

I enjoyed this book very much, the author’s first, and look forward to seeing what she does next. With thanks to Tinder Press and NetGalley for the opportunity.