Along the River is a novel that was written by a famous Chinese American writer called Adeline Yen Mah. It was published in early 2009 by Penguin Publishing in hardcover format, and on April 10, 2012, in paperback. The book is part of her Chinese Cinderella series of novels. It is widely regarded as her most successful literary work. The novel reiterates the fact that time generally changes but love and art stay forever.
The novel was inspired by the most prominent painting in China known "Along the River at the Qing Ming Festival". It tells the story of the relationship between a poor boy and a daughter of a rich man. Unlike many of her other books, Along the River, like all the other Chinese Cinderella novels, is aimed at a young adult audience. It provides an account of life in China as a teenager.
Through the tale of two young women, Yen Mah is connecting the two eras of Chinese history. Her writing style is mostly praised by critics as she brings a glimpse of ancient China and its social structures in a positive way. The story is about a young girl who recalls the vivid details and memories of her past life.
After a fall, the girl drifts in and out of consciousness, seeing dreams that seem strangely familiar. Thus, her journey begins. The journey of the girl in the book resembles, in some parts, her own journey as a child and young adult as it is chronicled in her 1997 autobiography, Falling Leaves.
Another highlight of the novel, Along the River, is a girl belonging to a rich and influential family falling in love with a poor orphan guy. Since this love story is uncommon, the readers find a connection with the conflict that the characters confront as the bond becomes strong. Their relationship gets hindered by the unwavering laws of Chinese Society. They faced several obstacles, but the power of true love and art kept them together.
Along the River also illustrates how young people can take control of their own lives, despite the obstacles that may be posed by traditional Chinese society. It provides a powerful message about the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for one's own beliefs. It is a story of courage and resilience, of following your dreams and breaking free from the constraints of society. The novel is not only an inspiring story of love and friendship but also an example of how the power of art can transcend time and space.
Though the novel did not receive awards or critical praise in the traditional sense, Yen Mah was congratulated for being able to translate a story of relatively complex substance into a format that young adults can read, understand, and enjoy with ease. It is because of her many novels like this one that Yen Mah is considered an exceptionally gifted author, and one that will be remembered for many years after she has passed.
