BMBR: The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

Oh, My Heart.

This is a beautiful book. 

Set in Shanghai and in Melbourne, and set in 1939-1945 and 2016, it is a beautiful story of love, loss, secrets, and discovery.

I had no idea that Jewish refugees fleeing Europe ended up in Shanghai, that Shanghai was so diverse in 1939, and that even after Germany surrendered in 1945, war still raged there.

Alexandra, after her Opa's death in 2016, travels from Melbourne to Shanghai to try to find her blood family (she was adopted). Interwoven is a beautiful telling of her Oma's life in Shanghai after fleeing Austria, until she travels to Australia, and all the secrets that she carries.

This is not a heavy tome; the prose moves well, is not burdensome, nor is it stuffy with lecture and description. Manning is a master of showing in her writing.

But neither is it a fluffy piece. It punched me right in my soul. And then gave me a hug.

There is love and longing, loss and despair, death and horror, and grace and kindness.

I am left feeling grateful. For everything. Everything that I have, and everything that I do not.

I cried. But I am warmed, and 10/10, recommend this book.