Peony in Love

I finished this book just three days into my vacation.  It's been a long time since I've read a book that quickly.  I loved it.. About as much as the The Time Traveler's Wife.  Though the tales are vastly different, the core themes of love and time are persistent.

I purchased the book without reading any reviews or hearing any recommendations from friends.  I picked it up mostly because of all the historical details of seventeenth century China.  Her portrayal of China and its customs would intrigue anyone with an interest in ancient and modern China. 

While the book is categorized as historical fiction, it borders more along the lines of fantasy and the super natural.  Most Asian and Buddhist customs contain heavy elements of life after death, so it's not surprising that the book focuses on that.  This may not be everyone's cup of tea but Lisa crafts a very good story from these ancient traditions.  Some reviews note that the prose is too flowery but I found it very fitting to a historical period drama with lovesick maidens, an enamored poet and an epic opera.  It's sweet, informative, and leaves you aching a bit in the heart.