The Celestials: A Novel

I'm an social and cultural historian and I liked Shepard's fourth novel very much. It not only shows a new direction for this accomplished writer, it also combines rigorous research with accessible writing.I found myself checking immigration histories and other materials so that I could get a better understanding of the marvelous stage where this novel is set. Immigration historians have understandably concentrated on the West Coast for their story of Chinese immigrants to America. Shepard traces minutely and surely the physical, mental, and spiritual shocks to the newcomers and the Massachusetts locals.The appearance of the mixed race babe is a super moment--it happens so serenely and prosaically that the enormous earthquake it represents is muted . . . except in the hearts of those nearest the event (including the reader).Yes, this book is challenging and requires the reader to think and dig and perspire and be uncomfortable at times, but I loved it.

Interesting and well-documented historical fiction based on the not-so-well known 'Chinese Experiment' involving North Adams, MA shoe factory workers. I have a personal interest in the story, as I was born in that town, and my great-grandfather worked for the Wall Streeter Shoe Company in North Adams during the early 1950s. The author's depictions of local streets, businesses and events during the 1870-90 period seem accurate.

I expected more from this book, based on the reviews. I found the first 80-100 pages boring - heavy with historical facts and stilted language. The book takes off when the fiction begins and the author focuses on the emotional Iives of and relationships between the six main characters. Those parts of the book were compelling. Only one of the main characters is Chinese, and the stories of the other Chinese are not developed. The reactions of the townspeople are interesting, but are not much developed. The ending resolves most of the plot lines, but could have explored more what transpired between Sampson and his wife. There is one element left hanging, which was disappointing. I think the book did a lot of things well, but suffered from the author's efforts to stick to the facts. Overall, the book lacks the imagination and boldness of a really great read.

It was a treat for me to read about the local history of Berkshire County, where I live. Karen Shepard has drawn her characters so sharply and vividly, you live in them as you read their stories, and care about what happens to them. She made a workaday story of corporate operations, union-busting and strike-breaking into a twisted tale of human lives affected by large economic, racial, and gender issues.

I'm throwing in the towel at page 115. I had high hopes for this book, since I love reading historical fiction. It, to me, was like trying to grab onto smoke. I could not follow what was going on, nor where the story was going. Up to when I stopped, the Chinese workers were just in the background...little to no insight into them.

A wonderful novel that builds in power as you read. By the end, the dense threads of the relationships and complicated personal motivations find characters ensnared by their own desires and by history.

An astonishing story of the importation of a Chinese workforce to a New England town. The author helps us understand all the players in this strange drama. Readers will find themselves identifying with characters brought to life by the author and caring about their fates.

Just finished it. So compelling. A little history - told from a small town point of view - a little romance - the forbidden kind. The characters were sharply drawn. I may read it again.

Since I enjoy historical fiction I thought that this book would be another excellent read, it isn't. It seems to jump from one thought to another without placing the focus where it should be, on the seventy-five Chinese workers. After one hundred and fifty pages I stopped reading.