The Piano Teacher

The Piano Teacher is one of those books you're just not ready to be done with.  It's leaves you feeling a bit dismal when it's over because it's such a great book.  I was not immediately absorbed into the story of this book, in fact it begins a little slow.  But what this book lacks in introduction it makes up for in everything else.  Janice Y. K. Lee didn't leave out anything in her debut novel; a tangled web of love, war, and a touch of mystery made this book impossible to put down.
This book begins with newlywed Claire who is moving to exotic Hong Kong with her husband, Martin, in the 1950's.  Claire is a reserved and, unknowingly to herself, beautiful woman.  She is left to herself most days due to Martin's line of work.  Besides exploring the various markets and shops of Hong Kong, she becomes listless.  She soon begins teaching piano lessons to the daughter of a wealthy Japanese couple, the Chens.  Claire soon meets Will Truesdale and this is where the story truly begins.  This book jumps back and forth over a 10 year span of time.  History's events unfold and alter the lives of all the characters involved.  I would say this book is easily in my top ten all time favorites, it does not disappoint.

Things to watch out for:

This book is pretty clean.  There is a tad bit of sexual content, some language, and some war violence but these parts are all brief and not described in detail. I would say it's pretty PG.

I give this book: UNIQUENESS: 10.7/11 (A+)
I was really impressed with the way this book is written.  It's rare a book can so seamlessly combine two time periods and two different stories without becoming confusing.  The story is unique and unpredictable.  It easily sets itself apart from anything else I have read.
FLOW: 10.7/11 (A+)
Again, Lee pulls off this style of writing without a hitch.  Very easy to read.
QUALITY OF THE STORY: 10.8/11 (A+)
OVERALL RATING: 9.78/11 (A)

Since I am such a fan of this book I would love to hear from anyone else who has read it!