The Phoenix Pencil Company

by Allison King
The Phoenix Pencil Company cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Contemporary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 3896
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780008700867
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2025-06-03
  • Reviews: 3

In this captivating debut novel, a young woman stumbles upon the forgotten history of the Phoenix Pencil Company, a once-thriving business in Shanghai. As she delves deeper into its past, she discovers a hidden family ability that has been passed down through generations, altering the course of her own life in unexpected ways. The novel is praised for its inventive storytelling and heartwarming exploration of family connections. /n/nThe Phoenix Pencil Company weaves together themes of love, history, and self-discovery, creating a rich tapestry that blends the past with the present. With its evocative setting and compelling characters, the story offers a unique perspective on the power of family and the secrets that bind us.

Reviews
Saturday Reader · 2025-08-30
engaging 3.50

Initially struggled with the book but found it engaging enough to continue. The blend of personal and historical elements creates a compelling narrative.

The reviewer almost gave up on the book early on but found themselves drawn in by the intertwining stories. They appreciate the way the author blends personal and historical narratives, creating a rich and engaging story. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to keep them interested despite initial reservations, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy layered storytelling.

Quick quotes

    I almost gave up on The Phoenix Pencil Company about a quarter of the way in, but the fact that it came highly recommended by a couple of my trusted sources kept me going.

    The blend of personal and historical elements creates a compelling narrative that is both heartfelt and informative.

    The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

Too Much To Write · 2025-07-25
recommended 4.50

Highly recommends the book for its blend of personal and historical narratives. The characters and their journeys are beautifully crafted.

The reviewer wholeheartedly recommends this book to readers who appreciate a blend of personal and historical narratives. They praise the author's ability to create compelling characters and weave their stories together seamlessly. The reviewer finds the book to be both heartfelt and informative, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend The Phoenix Pencil Company to readers who appreciate a blend of personal and historical narratives.

    The characters are beautifully crafted, and their journeys are both heartfelt and informative.

    The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

My Book Lovers Club · 2025-07-25
mixed 3.00

Found the book to have potential but felt it didn't fully deliver. The story had interesting elements but fell short in execution.

The reviewer notes that the book had potential but ultimately didn't work for them. They appreciate the interesting story elements but feel the execution fell short. Despite this, they acknowledge that the book has a germ of an interesting story and gave it a moderate rating.

Quick quotes

    It's a debut novel that had potential but didn't quite work for me.

    But it had a germ of an interesting story so I gave it 3 stars.

    The story had some interesting elements but fell short in execution.

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