I found this novel to be both sad and thought-provoking. Life is especially sad for the female characters Manna and Shuyu, which is not surprising, given the place women have had in Chinese society.

The story does strike a nerve with me, since I can identify with the feeling of always waiting for or looking forward to certain times, instead of enjoying the journey as well. In a way, Ha Jin's novel is a parable warning its audience that it is best to take a good, positive look at what one already has and how to best enjoy life before deciding to pursue a radically different path.

Unfortunately, I could not identify with any of the characters; I can't imagine waiting eighteen years for a certain man to divorce his wife, I cannot imagine being poor Shuyu, who continued to work hard and love a man who did not want her, but most of all, I did not understand Lin, the man in the center of all this. He rejects Shuyu from the beginning, not even giving her a chance, because he does not consider her to be "presentable." It's hard for me to admire that.

Yes, this was an arranged marriage, but Lin could have backed out. He didn't because he didn't have the backbone to refuse his parents. Lin's indecisiveness, inertia, and fickleness cause all his problems. Shuyu is the one who is forced to wait through no fault of her own, yet--she seems to be the happiest character. Shuyu will always be there for Lin, but she's not waiting, but living her life, one day at a time, in contentment. I think she's a fascinating character.