AustLit

The River is presented in different voices and in different times. It deals with the continuity of life as represented by the river, which provides a guide for a young Chinese girl, Xian, on her journey to the home of her grandparents. Libby Hathorn presents a story within a story, which adds complexity to the text. Modern-day Hong, the girl reading the story given to her by Ming (a woman who has worked as a cleaner in Hong's parent's shop), is transported back in time by the adventures of Xian when she travels to the home of her grandparents after the death of her mother. Hong is able to draw the conclusion that the story given to her by Ming is indeed Ming's own story. (Libraries Australia)