What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan:

There's something undeniably captivating about stories that explore the complexities of human desires, dreams, and the promises we make to ourselves and others. In What We Were Promised, author Lucy Tan takes readers on a mesmerizing journey, weaving together intricate plotlines and compelling characters that leave an indelible mark on readers' hearts and minds.

Set in modern-day Shanghai, What We Were Promised follows the lives of the Zhen family as they navigate a labyrinth of broken promises, shattered dreams, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. In a city where skyscrapers stretch high into the sky and extravagant wealth coexists with bitter poverty, the characters in this novel grapple with the eternal question of "What is worth sacrificing for a chance at success?"

At the heart of the story is the Zhen family's matriarch, Lina, who finds herself torn between the traditional values and obligations engrained in her Chinese heritage, and the allure of a cosmopolitan lifestyle that offers her a tantalizing taste of freedom. Her husband, Qiang, once a talented musician, now works tirelessly at a successful international company while harboring regrets of a past love and a path not taken.

What We Were Promised

by Lucy Tan (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE

As the Zhen family settles into their upscale apartment complex, the dreams and aspirations they had when leaving China are met with the harsh reality of a society built on facades and compromises. Their son, Wei, struggles to define his own identity amidst the societal pressures of achieving academic excellence and conforming to the expectations of his family and culture.

Through Tan's exquisite prose, readers are transported into the opulent world of Shanghai's elite, where sparkling parties and extravagant displays of wealth mask the deeper yearnings and insecurities that lie beneath the surface. The alternating perspectives of the characters allow us to delve into their innermost thoughts and desires, as we unravel the layers of their complex lives.

With its intricate character development and stunning visual imagery, What We Were Promised not only tells a compelling story but also offers insightful observations on the human condition. Tan masterfully explores universal themes of ambition, loneliness, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships, inviting readers to reflect on their own hopes and aspirations.

One of the strengths of Tan's storytelling lies in her ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a place that is simultaneously familiar and foreign, through her vivid descriptions of Shanghai. The city becomes a character in its own right, an enigmatic force that shapes the lives of its inhabitants, leaving an indelible mark on their souls.

The novel's long tail clickbait title "What We Were Promised – A Journey of Love, Loss, and Second Chances" captures the essence of the story perfectly, enticing readers with promises of emotional rollercoasters, unpredictable twists, and heart-wrenching revelations. It invites us to explore the depths of human emotions and ponder the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams.

Whether you are a fan of literary fiction, a connoisseur of character-driven narratives, or simply someone who enjoys a riveting story that resonates on a profound level, What We Were Promised is a must-read. Lucy Tan's debut novel is a testament to her talent as a storyteller, offering a poignant reminder that amidst the complexities of life, our promises and aspirations can shape our destinies in ways we never imagined.

So, immerse yourself in the world of the Zhen family, as they navigate the blurred lines between dreams and reality, promises made and promises broken. Discover for yourself why What We Were Promised has garnered critical acclaim and has become a cherished addition to bookshelves around the world. Grab a copy, find a cozy spot, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

What We Were Promised

by Lucy Tan (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

FREE

Set in modern Shanghai, a debut by a Chinese-American writer about a prodigal son whose unexpected return forces his newly wealthy family to confront painful secrets and unfulfilled promises.
After years of chasing the American dream, the Zhen family has moved back to China. Settling into a luxurious serviced apartment in Shanghai, Wei, Lina, and their daughter, Karen, join an elite community of Chinese-born, Western-educated professionals who have returned to a radically transformed city.

One morning, in the eighth tower of Lanson Suites, Lina discovers that a treasured ivory bracelet has gone missing. This incident sets off a wave of unease that ripples throughout the Zhen household. Wei, a marketing strategist, bows under the guilt of not having engaged in nobler work. Meanwhile, Lina, lonely in her new life of leisure, assumes the modern moniker taitai-a housewife who does no housework at all. She is haunted by the circumstances surrounding her arranged marriage to Wei and her lingering feelings for his brother, Qiang. Sunny, the family's housekeeper, is a keen but silent observer of these tensions. An unmarried woman trying to carve a place for herself in society, she understands the power of well-kept secrets. When Qiang reappears in Shanghai after decades on the run with a local gang, the family must finally come to terms with the past and its indelible mark on their futures.

From a silk-producing village in rural China, up the corporate ladder in suburban America, and back again to the post-Maoist nouveaux riches of modern Shanghai, What We Were Promised explores the question of what we owe to our country, our families, and ourselves.