The Moon Goddess’s Smile

Praise for The Moon Goddess’s Smile

“Secrets, scars, and stories—a fascinating historical novel of cultural & personal significance.

The author does a stellar job of bringing Shanghai and Nanjing…to life.  The Novel…deftly interweaves ancient legend, myth, and folktale with the real historical events that shaped China (and the Hong family) throughout the twentieth century. It’s a fascinating way to learn or revisit historical events like the Japanese invasion of Nanjing or the massacre at Tiananmen Square, especially as it is told from the viewpoint of a person or people we have gotten to know. 

…a remarkable story that encompasses generations and carries thousands of years of tradition. There is a complex interplay of culture and identity at many levels here: from the household to the extended family, to the town or city, then country and effects of a government’s ideology. What happens when a beloved home country becomes something unrecognizable? This book is a meditation on the role of country and culture–of one family’s traditions, secrets, and fate.”  ~Erica Ball, Independent Book Review

"Catherine Wu has a delightful style with laugh-out-loud surprises and delicious irony. You'll love her writing from the first word." ~Lana McAra, award-winning author

“. . . this beautifully penned novel captures the complexity of cultural duality with raw honesty and emotional depth down to the finest brush stroke. I was swept away by the world that Wu invites us into as the novel’s rich, atmospheric settings evoke both China’s traditions and Boston’s modernity with wonderful clashes. . . Mei’s emotional struggle is deeply relatable during her profoundly moving journey of a midlife reckoning. Wu creates a powerful exploration of family, identity, and belonging that leaves you thinking long after you’ve set the book down. Overall, The Moon Goddess's Smile is a gorgeous read that I highly recommend to fans of accomplished cultural dramas.” ~K. C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite

“It will take me a while to “recover” from this gripping, powerful, and heartbreaking tale. The Moon Goddess told Mei to release and grip her past, and she did!  Now, thanks to her release, we readers can also witness history from her personal perspective as we journey into her and her family‘s past.  Readers, take the trip Catherine Wu has created with her amazing pen and stay on the road, be it twisted or straight. You will learn so much about China you may never have learned in school.” ~Patricia Daly-Lipe, PhD, award-winning author, artist, philosopher,  and historian

“Catherine Wu guides the reader through a journey of cultural clashes between her protagonist’s Chinese family’s traditional ways, present-day Chinese society, and her adoptive America’s mores. This is one of those books that make you feel more intelligent after reading it. I’m looking forward to her next books.”  ~Dr. Edward Mickolus, fellow author

“This soulful and beautifully written story invites readers to contemplate fate and the unforeseen forces shaping our lives. . . Catherine C. Wu creates an outstanding story that explores cultural heritage and its relevance in modern life. Mei’s return becomes a journey of self-discovery. . . As she reconnects with her past, the rising of the full moon enables her to view an unexpected revelation during her trip with clarity. One line from the book that resonated with me is: “Is it good fortune, or a bad omen?” I highly recommend this novel to readers who appreciate fascinating stories on Chinese history and culture, multigenerational family dynamics, and immigrant experiences.” ~Maalin Ogaja, Readers’ Favorite

“I loved the different perspectives of this thought-provoking work.  It got me thinking about the impact of some significant events in Chinese history on ordinary citizens and those who were not totally on board with the radical changes. Catherine ensured that all events were vividly described. The characters are well-developed, and the reader will also appreciate the well-crafted dialogue and the excellent narration, which helped with the overall beauty of the work. I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.”  ~Frank Mutuma, Readers’ Favorite

“The Moon Goddess’s Smile is a monumental achievement! In terms of sheer literary merit, it stands head & shoulders above most of the novels that are published in any given year.  Few novels have such an epic historical sweep or such a nuanced examination of the wayward human heart.”   ~Mike Fleming, editor for W. W. Norton

"Ms. Wu presents us with a solid literary package chock-full of drama, suspense, plot twists, and lively, moving writing that has ‘future TV mini-series’ written all over it. She presents a flowing story upon a river with frequent rapids for the reader to navigate with caution and deliberation.. She will strum the strings of your emotional guitar through the full range of its abilities. Indeed, she is a female Dante who – with her words – paints vivid images of the inferno life sometimes can be. But let me not lead you to conclude this volume is totally ensconced with a venture to the Dark Side. Yes, there are scary moments, but overall, it's a story that will educate, enlighten and entertain anyone who dares to delve into it. Go for it – it's worth the effort." ~Mike Mulhern, author of The Repentant Racist, an Amazon No. 1 bestseller