The Expatriates

Well this book was just ok for me. The writing style was excellent, it kept me listening however it also left me wanting more. More details regarding the main characters I guess. It just got to the point where it was rather one dimensional and dare I say predictable for me. I was irritated throughout that a key character was simply named “G”. That naming flaw sums up the things I disliked about this book. “G” needed a true name...or at least a REASON for not having one. This book for me was a bit like watching an artist produce the outlines in charcoal of a great sketch but never completely finish the painting, leaving it a bit empty with the foundation of greatness clearly visible. So sorry...that makes it a 3 star for me, so easily it could have rated higher.

Enjoyable, well written book with interesting female characters and a unique setting (Hong Kong).

I was afraid upon starting this that it would eventually drift into melodrama, but happily that never happened. In fact, it was surprisingly subtle. The ending was also beautifully done and I was glad Lee did not take the easy way out here. Three women, all at different stages of life and from different class backgrounds, are part of the expatriate community of Hong Kong. Another way the book surprised me is that it focused less on these differences, and on how their lives are brought together by the simple fact of relocating to such an exclusive community, but more on themes of motherhood and family. It grew on me as the book went on.An accomplished, character-driven novel.