Title: A Well-Tempered Heart
Author: Jan-Philipp Sendker
First published January 1, 2012
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781590516409 (ISBN10: 1590516400)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Get ready for another uproarious collection of comics from the hilarious mind of Kate Beaton, author of the New York Times bestseller Hark! a Vagrant. In Step Aside, Pops, Beaton delivers even more sidesplitting jokes about history, pop culture, and literature.
From “Strong Female Characters” to “Straw Feminists in the Closet,” Beaton pokes fun at societal norms and stereotypes with her signature irreverent humor. Watch out, because her wit is as sharp as a velocipedestrienne! If you loved Hark! a Vagrant, then you won’t want to miss Step Aside, Pops.
About the Author
Jan-Philipp Sendker was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1960. He had a strong desire to see the world, which led him to become the American correspondent for Stern from 1990 to 1995, and then the Asian correspondent from 1995 to 1999.
In 2000, he wrote a nonfiction book titled “Cracks in the Great Wall” about China. “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats” is his debut novel, and he has since added three more novels to his repertoire, including the sequel to “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats” called “A Well-Tempered Heart”.
In 2013, he was honored with The Indies Choice Award in the Adult Fiction category for “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats”. Currently, he lives in Potsdam with his family and is working on the third book in his China-trilogy.
Editoral Review
A Well-Tempered Heart is a beautifully written novel by German-American author Jan-Philipp Sendker that was first published on January 1, 2012. The book, which is both a sequel and a prequel to Sendker’s The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, continues the story of Julia Win, a successful New York lawyer who has struggled with relationships and finding her place in the world.
The book falls under the genre of literary fiction, with themes of love, loss, family, culture, and identity. The story follows Julia as she receives a letter from her father, a former Burmese physician, who disappeared years ago.
In the letter, he tells Julia about a mysterious woman named Mi Mi, who saved his life and changed his perspective on love and the world. Julia travels to Burma to search for Mi Mi and connect with her father’s past.
Along the way, she meets a cast of intriguing characters, including a monk, a journalist, and a young girl named Nu Nu, who help her on her journey of self-discovery. Sendker’s prose is exquisite, with vivid descriptions of the Burmese landscape and culture that transport readers to another world.
The author beautifully balances the past and present narratives, weaving together the stories of Julia’s search for Mi Mi and her father’s experiences in Burma years before. Additionally, the book provides insights into the Burmese culture, history, and political situation, making it more than just a work of fiction.
The characters in the book are well-developed, and their relationships are complex and realistic. Julia is a relatable protagonist, who despite her success and independence, has her own insecurities and vulnerabilities.
Mi Mi is a fascinating character, whose wisdom and compassion provide a source of inspiration for Julia and the other characters. The supporting cast, including the monk U Ba, the journalist Thar Thar, and Nu Nu, all add depth and nuance to the story.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. Sendker’s philosophical insights are thought-provoking and provide a unique perspective on the human experience.
The author also tackles issues related to identity and cultural differences, exploring how people from different backgrounds can learn from each other and find common ground. However, the pacing of the book can be slow at times, and some readers may find the story to be overly sentimental.
Additionally, the ending of the book may not be satisfying to all readers, and some may find it to be predictable or clichd. Overall, A Well-Tempered Heart is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction, travel writing, and philosophical musings.
It has cultural significance in its portrayal of Burma and its people, and its themes of love and the search for meaning are universal. The prose is skillful, the characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging.
The book receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
