Review of The Abalone Ukulele

[Mayang Bature]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Abalone Ukulele" by R. L. Crossland.]

---

3 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

R.L. Crossland's novel "The Abalone Ukulele" takes place in 1913 Shanghai, where Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and American cultures are about to converge. The collision is centered on a significant amount of Japanese gold intended to destabilize a faltering China. Yi, a Korean tribute courier and patriot from a warrior lineage, believes in Confucian principles of loyalty and honor. Yi was tasked with delivering tributary silver ingots to China, but he encountered difficulties such as robbery and debt repayment. The fortune was intended to ensure China's protection of Korea, potentially preserving Korean sovereignty. Yi returned to Korea after various experiences, including time in the Klondike and San Francisco, following a substitute assassination of Queen Min.

This novel presents an engaging narrative with rich historical details, offering readers an immersive experience in 1913 Shanghai. I enjoyed the exploration of diverse cultures—Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and American—that was shown in the complex political landscape of early 20th-century China, portraying General Shih-kai Yuan's strategic shift from the Qing Dynasty to the Nationalists in 1911. Against this backdrop, the looming threat of General Ch’i-mei Chen's anti-Nationalist forces adds suspense, setting the stage for a potentially decisive conflict around Shanghai and also showing how the Empire of Japan wanted to wreck the new Nationalist currency, the yuan. Wanting the Chinese to dump all their yuan in favor of yen adds depth to the storyline, creating a captivating backdrop for the collision of these societies. The protagonist, Yi, brings a sense of loyalty, honor, and resilience to the plot, making him a relatable and admirable character. The story combines adventure, betrayal, patriotism, and intricate character depth, providing a positive and engaging reading experience.

This novel faces criticism for its sudden and abrupt use of character names, making it challenging for readers to keep track by randomly introducing characters. Along the way, I had no idea who McCollum was or how he made an alliance with the Spuyten. Also, the book happened to be boring and felt very long, as I frequently got tired of reading. Additionally, there was a lack of explanation regarding Yi's later success, leaving a gap in understanding his journey to prosperity. For the reasons mentioned above, I’d give the book 3 out of 5 stars.

******
The Abalone Ukulele
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Timothy Gye]

Thank you for providing such a thorough and enthusiastic review of Patricia Conroy's "Mockingbird Moon". Your observations regarding the book's captivating plot, outstanding visuals, and educational value are useful to future readers. It's encouraging to learn how the author was able to pique people's interest in nature and bird watching. Your personal connection to the narrative, together with the recommendations for different audiences, gives dimension to the review. Excellent job conveying your passion!

[Moses mgbada]

Thank you for providing such a thorough and enthusiastic review of Patricia Conroy's "Mockingbird Moon". Your observations regarding the book's captivating plot, outstanding visuals, and educational value are useful to future readers. It's encouraging to learn how the author was able to pique people's interest in nature and bird watching. Your personal connection to the narrative, together with the recommendations for different audiences, gives dimension to the review. Excellent job conveying your passion!

[Timothy Gye]

Thank you for sharing your insightful review, Your detailed analysis highlights the author's skillful blend of science and marketing concepts, enriched by engaging personal anecdotes. It's encouraging to see the positive impact of real-world examples and the effectiveness of practical insights. Your thorough appreciation, including the absence of dislikes and recognition of the well-edited content, reinforces the book's value. Your 5-star rating and recommendation make a compelling case for readers!

[Shinshinshin]

Based on the review, "The Abalone Ukulele" seems to be an intriguing historical novel set in 1913 Shanghai, showcasing a diverse cultural landscape and complex political backdrop. The protagonist, Yi, brings depth and relatability to the story with his loyalty and resilience. However, the book received criticism for introducing characters abruptly and feeling long and boring at times. Overall, it appears to be a decent read with immersive historical details, but with room for improvement.

[Azaz Raja]

I appreciate your detailed and enthusiastic review of Patricia Conroy's "Mockingbird Moon." Your insights into the captivating plot, vivid imagery, and educational aspects of the book will undoubtedly benefit prospective readers. It's inspiring to hear how the author has sparked interest in nature and bird-watching through her narrative. Your personal connection to the story and tailored recommendations for various audiences add depth to your review. Well done in expressing your passion for the book! thankyou for your review.

[Ruth Chege 2]

I appreciate your honest review. I must admit the book is a bit dense and the characters' names are not all that simple to decipher. That said, I might consider it in future.