The Promise is a powerful account of social change in China, told through the relationships and marriages of four generations of women from one family. From the traditional arranged marriages that still prevailed at the start of the twentieth century to today's online dating and virtual relationships these women's stories reflect the political cultural and social changes that have rocked the country and totally transformed it. Xinran brings her trademark style and uses her considerable interview skills to draw these women out in a way that makes them comfortable enough to discuss the most private and personal aspects of their lives. Through the lens of their very human experiences the reader is given a new perspective on history and the realities faced by the people living through it.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

“A persons character is inextricably linked to their local environment” - Chinese proverb

This book is a fascinating account of the history of modern China through the lens of four generations of women from one family. Four very different stories of love, life and loss.

I had to remind myself several times that this wasn’t a piece of fiction, but the oral history of real life women who were sharing their memories for the first time...not just with the world, but each other. Whether their marriages were arranged, politically advantageous or based online (and we think the older generation is weird!) their stories emphasise how the changing politics and westernisation of the country directly impacted their personal narratives.

Written in the form of an interview of sorts, I was shocked, humbled and intrigued by some of their experiences and enjoyed how the author has brought an emotional side to a country we know for its economy! A riveting read for anyone interested in women’s literature, human nature, Chinese culture (I lost count of all the quirky traditions) and history.

This book opened my eyes and broke my heart in equal measure. When I first started reading I wondered why I had requested a copy of this, as I have such little interest in politics, and I’ll admit I found the political elements of this book difficult to keep up with, but at its heart this is a book about love, a universal theme.
This is the story of four generations of Chinese women, and how the political landscape and familial expectations affected the way they loved - we begin with the story of Red, an 80-something virgin who has been in an arranged marriage all her life to a man in love with someone else, and finish with 3 of the latest generation who are experimenting with online dating and flash marriages.
There is a lot of tragedy and heartbreak in this story, from unrequited love to the horrors of revolution, but there is also beauty in the strength of many of the relationships, and I loved the poetry that tied so many of the generations together. I found this absolutely engrossing and harrowing, but also found that it shone a light on the best of humanity as so many of these stories were full of selfless, warm and kind people living in the best way they could. I cried, I learnt a lot and I think this one will stay with me for a very long time - an absolute must read.

The Promise gives an insight into the China we rarely hear about.
Exploring the relationships through four generations of women - Xinran Xue provides a deep and yet richly narrated non fiction text which details love, heartbreak, relationships and revolution.

It was at times hard to read, very emotional and raw.

I really enjoyed The Promise, it was enlightening and informative.