What We Were Promised

Secrets. In her debut novel titled, What We Were Promised, Lucy Tan explores themes of family, secrets, and obligations. Set in Shanghai, the Zhen family’s new status upon return to China after two decades of success in the United States leads to new ways of living and significant adjustments for the extended family. Tan uses multiple narrators to offer different perspectives about life in Shanghai. A special bracelet links the past to the present. Tan writes with skill and leads readers toward caring deeply for the lives of the complex characters she presents. At the same time, she provides clear descriptive language that makes the setting come alive for readers. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase What We Were Promised from amazon.com.