Adam Lewis Schroeder

I am giving this book a middle rating for now as I have not been able to finish it. I tend to enjoy "character-driven" rather than "plot-driven" novels, and this one (at close to 100 pages) feels more like the latter. The first section was much more intriguing to me as we learn about the interior world of Harry Winslow's grief. However, once he sets off on his journey, I found myself losing interest due to lack of connection to the characters or the story. However, when things in my life calm down a bit, I may return to it as the entire premise is quite interesting to me. If I do finish it, I will update this review!… (meer)

Though it starts quietly with the reflections of Harry Winslow soon after the death of his wife Lily, Empress of Asia is filled with whirlwind experiences that take him from a small town in British Columbia to the Asian Pacific during World War II.

The story is told in three parts - and all told as an internal conversation of Harry with his deceased wife. That technique works well in the first portion of the book, less well during the lengthy second portion as Harry recounts his Asian experiences, and, at times, it is annoying during the third portion, as Harry repeatedly wonders if Lily had "seen this" or "was familiar with that" during his surprising discoveries about Lily's life.

Harry's initial descriptions of the chaos in the Pacific during World War II draw one in effectively, including his explanation of how he met Lily amidst that chaos - however, this section of the book, the lengthiest one by far, lost steam for me, especially in the latter portions.

The final section of the book brings resolution to the mystery we encounter in the first few pages, providing surprise, sadness, and wonder about the challenge of moving forward while reflecting on the past. It is an ending that raises interesting questions in one's own life even if the life events and final twist are not as spectacular as those in Harry and Lily's.

The book was generally a good read. Like the music of The Tragically Hip, it is (in some ways) refreshingly Canadian - which is a very positive thing.

A bit of a minor note: the music of Fats Waller plays a role in the story, but it is a role that does not resonate with me, despite my love of music and the impact of music in my own life. In fact, Harry's "top of mind" recall of the music in times of crisis, chaos and resolution is unconvincing - the associated passion seemed an aside to the story (in my mind) rather than an integral piece of understanding Harry.

A personal note: It was wonderful to read the name of Gordon Sinclair - a great reminder of watching Front Page Challenge on CHCH television out of Hamilton, Ontario while spending summers on Long Point, Ontario as a kid. Fred Davis hosting - Gordon Sinclair as one of the panelists - often Pierre Burton, too. Great stuff.

Final note: This review is based on an Advance Uncorrected Proof provided by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press… (meer)