Inheritance - Tapa dura

Lan Samantha Chang's characters are all movingly drawn, but her portrait of an unforgiving Junan, wrapping the rags of traditional dignity around her in a world falling apart, is both chilling and touching. (Rachel Hoare GUARDIAN (9.10.04))

'This sweeping epic tale tells the story of two sisters in China and the romantic rivalry that threatens to destroy them and their family. Beautiful.' **** (HEAT (30 October-5 November and 6-12 November))

'a tender study of what happens to kin when love can only be acknowledged haltingly, when the urge for self-control is paramount, and when the need for security outweighs other instincts. The deadweight of unspoken feeling and the restrictive demands of elaborate social etiquette call to mind the aching beauty of Wong Kar Wai's film, 'In the Mood for Love''. (AM Kaye TIME OUT (27 Oct -3 Nov) - Book of the Week)

Comparisons with Amy Tan are perhaps inevitable, but the author brings her own quiet lyricism and emotional acuity to a family drama made all the more fascinating for its exotic setting. (Elizabeth Buchan DAILY MAIL (29.10.04))

Fans of Chang's short stories will love this moving novel spanning the stormy years of 20th century China. (MAIL ON SUNDAY (14.11.04))

an engaging read. (Marissa Burgess CITY LIFE (MANCHESTER) 18.11.04)

The skill with which this novel is written is magical. The historical background provides an interesting setting, but what makes this novel stand out is the quality of the writing. The lightness of the writer's touch enables you to breathe with the characters. This isn't just a well-written story, but it has all the hallmarks of a prize-winning novel...a moving and memorable read. (Myfanwy Cook THE HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW (30 November 2004))

The author writes delicately and quite beautifully. (Glen Baker MORNING STAR (22.11.04))

The story...of a poignant and long-lasting love affair, is a good one...There is a real writer at work here...I look forward to her next book. (Jonathan Mirsky TLS (4.2.05))

Her story of family love, loyalty, desire and betrayal speaks to all of us. (Shirley Lancaster TABLET (15.1.05))