What Are You Reading? First Love Paradise by by Lin Yihan

Noelia's contribution 

The Book

Source: Amazon

The most recent book I read is "First Love Paradise" by Lin Yihan. This autobiography novel is powerful yet disturbing and explores the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, love and abuse. The story follows the teenager Fang Si-Chi, who enters an abusive, manipulative relationship.

The book dives deep into the complexity of personal trauma, vulnerability, and power dynamics, exploring how Fang Si-Chi is affected by the toxic and abusive relationship but also how love and manipulation can be dangerously intertwined.

I must confess that it was impossible for me to finish the book due to its explicit and disturbing content. However, Lin Yihan's writing is evocative, capturing the protagonist's inner turmoil and confusion.

To sum up, First Love Paradise does not shy away from dark and demanding subject matter. It will likely resonate with readers interested in stories that confront the complex of sex abuse traumas, power, and manipulation. As I mentioned before, due to the explicit nature of the abuse depicted, for readers who are sensitive to themes of sexual violence or explicit content, I would advise caution before picking up this book. It's been the first time I couldn't finish reading it due to disturbing content.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Yihan Lin is a Taiwanese author best known for her novel First Love Paradise, which gained significant attention for its unflinching exploration of abuse, trauma, and the complexities of young love. Born in Tainan, Taiwan, Lin has emerged as one of the prominent voices in contemporary Taiwanese literature, particularly in addressing struggling and taboo subjects.

Her writing often grapples with themes of psychological and emotional distress, focusing on the impacts of abuse, manipulation, and the darker aspects of human relationships. Published in 2007, First Love Paradise is one of her most well-known works. The novel is controversial due to its explicit and harrowing depiction of sexual abuse, which has elicited both praise and criticism. It is widely regarded as a bold exploration of the psychological consequences of such abuse, offering readers a raw and intimate portrayal of the protagonist's suffering and emotional journey.

Lin married in 2016 and tragically died by suicide in her apartment in Taipei on April 27, 2017, shortly after the publication of her first and only complete novel "First Love Paradise". She became melancholic after turning 17 and attempted suicide three times in the following years. Some members of the public suspect that the misfortunes experienced by the main character in her novel may reflect the lasting effects of a sexual assault that Lin may have endured. She had previously asserted this notion."Every day there are only 3 things which come into my mind, whether I should eat, take sedatives, or take my life!"

Lin's parents and social media users accused a well-known cram school teacher of being the actual abuser associated with the case, which he denied. Ultimately, charges against him were dropped due to a lack of evidence for coercion, sexual activity with a minor, and inconclusive medical records. Following Lin's death, the government enacted a law mandating that the legal names of tutors at cram schools be publicly accessible.

April Meeting - "The Thing Around Your Neck" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

 The Book

Source: Amazon

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story The Thing Around Your Neck is a poignant exploration of displacement, cultural clashes, and gender expectations. The story follows Akunna, a young Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States on a visa sponsored by her uncle. However, instead of the promising new life she envisioned, she finds herself isolated and struggling with loneliness and cultural alienation. The “thing around her neck” metaphorically represents her feelings of suffocation and helplessness in her new environment.

The story is part of Adichie’s acclaimed short story collection of the same name, published in 2009. The collection addresses themes such as immigration, identity, and the complexities of the African diaspora, often highlighting the experiences of Nigerian women navigating unfamiliar and sometimes hostile spaces.

Critics praised The Thing Around Your Neck for its lyrical yet accessible prose, emotional depth, and sharp social commentary. The collection received widespread acclaim, reinforcing Adichie’s status as one of the most important contemporary African writers. It was shortlisted for prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was lauded for its nuanced portrayal of the African immigrant experience.

The story resonates with readers globally due to its exploration of universal themes such as belonging, power dynamics, and resilience. It remains an essential work in discussions on post-colonial literature, feminism, and migration, further solidifying Adichie’s literary influence.

The Author

Source: The Dewdrop

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer known for her powerful storytelling and exploration of themes such as identity, feminism, and post-colonialism. Born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria, she grew up in Nsukka, where her father was a professor and her mother was the first female registrar at the University of Nigeria.

Adichie moved to the United States to study communications and political science at Drexel University before transferring to Eastern Connecticut State University. She later earned a master's degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and a master's in African Studies from Yale University.

Her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus (2003), was critically acclaimed and won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. This was followed by Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), which focuses on the Nigerian Civil War and won the Orange Prize for Fiction. Her third novel, Americanah (2013), explores race, migration, and identity through the story of a Nigerian woman living in the U.S.

Adichie is also known for her influential TED Talks, particularly We Should All Be Feminists (2012), which was adapted into a book and widely cited in discussions on gender equality. Her works have earned numerous awards, and she is considered one of the most important contemporary African writers.

Through her novels, essays, and speeches, Adichie continues to inspire global conversations on literature, culture, and feminism.

Short interview with the Author

Source : YouTube > Late Night with Seth Meyers

> Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Shares How Her Mom Inspired Her to Write Dream Count

Useful Links about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

> General overview of the author: The Guardian - Where to start with: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

> How to pronounce <Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie>

> How to pronounce <Lagos>

Cultural references in the Story

> Green Card Lottery

> Wikipedia - Okot p'Bitek

> Wikipedia - Amos Tutuola

> Wikipedia - MSG - Monosodium glutamate

> Long Island Sound 

> BBC News _ Nawal el Saadawi

> ONUGBU SOUP - Nigerian Bitterleaf Soup

> Wikipedia - Jeopardy!

YouTube - Games | Final Jeopardy! | JEOPARDY!

April Meeting

> Discussion Questions for the April Meeting "The Thing Around Your Neck" by Chimamanda Ngozi

March Meeting - The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

 The Book

Source: Amazon

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (1998) is the first book in Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved series set in Botswana. It introduces the unforgettable Mma Precious Ramotswe, a strong-willed and compassionate woman who opens her own detective agency—the first of its kind in the country. Using intuition, wisdom, and common sense, she tackles cases ranging from missing persons to unfaithful husbands, all while navigating the complexities of life, love, and business in Gaborone.

The novel blends mystery with humor and deep cultural appreciation, offering a warm and engaging portrayal of Botswana. McCall Smith’s writing is gentle yet insightful, focusing on human relationships and moral dilemmas rather than traditional crime-solving. His love for Botswana shines through in his vivid descriptions of its landscapes and traditions.

Upon release, the book received widespread acclaim for its charming storytelling and unique perspective. It became an international bestseller, spawning a long-running series that has captivated readers worldwide. The success led to adaptations, including a BBC/HBO television film directed by Anthony Minghella. Critics praised the novel’s uplifting tone, rich character development, and fresh take on the detective genre, cementing Mma Ramotswe as one of literature’s most endearing sleuths.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Alexander McCall Smith (born August 24, 1948, in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) is a Scottish writer best known for his internationally acclaimed No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. A former professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh, McCall Smith had a distinguished academic career before turning to full-time writing.

His breakthrough came in 1998 with The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, introducing Mma Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female private detective. The novel’s charm, humor, and insight into Botswana’s culture resonated with readers, leading to a bestselling series spanning more than 20 books.

Beyond this series, McCall Smith has written prolifically across various genres, including the 44 Scotland Street series, The Isabel Dalhousie Mysteries, and The Von Igelfeld Chronicles. His works often blend wit, philosophical musings, and keen observations of human nature, making them both engaging and thought-provoking.

A recipient of numerous literary honors, McCall Smith’s books have been translated into multiple languages and adapted for radio, television, and stage. He remains one of the UK’s most beloved contemporary authors, known for his warmth, humor, and ability to bring characters and settings vividly to life.

External interesting links:

Biography

> Wikipedia > Alexander_McCall_Smith

The book

> Wikipedia > The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

History

> Wikipedia > History of Bostwana

Video & Images

Videos: The author talks about his series of novels about Nº 1 ladies’ detective Click on the image

Images of Botswana, a wonderful country Click on the image

March Meeting

> Questions to spark discussion.  Ladies No.1 detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

February Meeting - Diary of an Obsesssion, by Jonathan Coe

 The Book

Source: Goodreads

Portrait of an Obsession, originally published in Cahiers du Cinéma and later included in Jonathan Coe’s collection 9th & 13th, offers a compelling and introspective meditation on cinema, memory, and the personal passions that shape creative lives. In this short but evocative piece, Coe reflects on his fixation with a particular cinematic scene and its broader implications, weaving together film criticism, autobiography, and cultural commentary.

Set against the backdrop of Coe’s well-documented love for cinema, the essay captures the obsessive nature of fandom and the transformative power of art. Coe’s literary style shines through, as he seamlessly blends humor, intellectual insight, and personal vulnerability. The piece resonates with cinephiles and general readers alike, illustrating the universal yet deeply personal connection we form with art.

When included in 9th & 13th—a slim volume released as part of Penguin's 70th-anniversary series—the essay gained renewed attention, showcasing Coe’s versatility as both a novelist and a writer of shorter, reflective works. Critics praised the collection for its wit and charm, with Portrait of an Obsession standing out as a vivid example of Coe’s ability to engage readers on an intimate level.

This piece is a must-read for fans of Coe and anyone intrigued by the intersection of art and personal experience. 

Twenty years later, in 2020, Coe published the book Mr Wilder and Me, inspired by his passion for this film director, and he talks about it in an interview which full of engaging information and very easy to understand.

 Marta's quote:     I must say that Jonathan Coe has been one of my favourite writers in English. I particularly enjoyed "The House of Sleep" and the trilogy "The Rotters Club", "The Closed Circle" and "Middle England" (an excellent novel about Brexit), but this short story will always find a special place in my heart.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Jonathan Coe (born August 19, 1961, in Bromsgrove, England) is a celebrated British novelist known for his incisive, witty, and socially conscious storytelling. His work often combines sharp satire, heartfelt emotion, and astute observations of contemporary life. Coe studied English at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later earned a PhD in literature from the University of Warwick.

Coe’s early novels, such as The Dwarves of Death (1990), established his reputation for blending humor and suspense. However, it was What a Carve Up! (1994) that brought him critical acclaim. A scathing critique of Thatcherite Britain, the novel is considered a modern classic. Subsequent works, including The Rotters’ Club (2001) and its sequel The Closed Circle (2004), explore the political and cultural landscape of late 20th-century Britain through the lens of personal and collective histories.

In more recent years, Coe has continued to capture the zeitgeist with novels like Middle England (2018), which won the Costa Novel Award, and Bournville (2022). His work has been translated into numerous languages, earning him a global readership.

Aside from fiction, Coe is also a biographer and music enthusiast, which often influences his work. He remains one of the most significant chroniclers of modern British life.

External interesting links:

> Jonathan Coe personal website

> YouTube - The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970) - Suite - Miklos Rozsa