The Lover

by Maxine Hong Kingston
The Lover cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technical
  • ID: 3410
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Cannonball Read · 2022-03-02
thought-provoking 4.00

The reviewer finds the book thought-provoking, exploring themes of colonization, racism, and power dynamics without leaving them enraged.

This book is a complex exploration of power dynamics, set against the backdrop of colonialism and social inequality. The reviewer appreciates how the story delves into difficult themes like racism and classism, but notes that it doesn't leave the reader feeling overwhelmed by anger. Instead, it offers a nuanced look at the complexities of human relationships and societal structures. The writing is evocative and immersive, making it a compelling read for those interested in literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    While The Lover is mired in the swamps of white colonization, racism, classism, and sexual predators, it is not a tale that left me enraged.

    The Lover still mired in the swamps of white colonization, racism, classism, and sexual predators

    it is not a tale that left me enraged

ANZ LitLovers LitBlog · 2016-08-11
powerful 4.20

The reviewer interprets the book as a powerful exploration of power dynamics and sexual awakening.

This review highlights the book's focus on power, particularly in the context of a young girl's sexual awakening and her navigation of a complex web of relationships. The reviewer notes that the novella is centered around the protagonist's exploration of her own power and allure, set against the backdrop of colonialism and societal expectations. The writing is described as lucid and distant, creating a sense of detachment that complements the story's themes.

Quick quotes

    The novella, it seems to me, is primarily about power.

    On her way back to school after a holiday, the girl tests her own power of sexual allure

    the girl tests her own power of sexual allure

Beth Kephart Blog · Beth Kephart · 2013-03-03
fierce 4.50

The reviewer describes the book as a fierce and complex exploration of power, identity, and emotion.

Beth Kephart finds The Lover to be a powerful and intense read, describing it as both forthright and obscure, declarative and confused. The book's ability to balance these contradictions is part of its strength, making it a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Kephart appreciates the book's emotional depth and its ability to evoke strong feelings in the reader, even if it doesn't always provide clear answers.

Quick quotes

    The Lover is a fierce, slender book—forthright and obscuring, declarative and confused, angry and proud.

    It feels like a book written in a state of high fever

    a book written in a state of high fever

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