Petals from the Sky: A Novel by Mingmei Yip

Mingmei Yip

Petals from the Sky

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PETALS FROM THE SKY is the story of a young Chinese woman who escapes her dysfunctional, ne’er-do-well family to become a Buddhist nun – only to realize she had run away from her own heart.

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Summary:

From the acclaimed author of Peach Blossom Pavilion comes a lush and lyrical novel of East and West – and of one young woman’s search for her heart’s true calling….

When twenty-year-old Meng Ning declares that she wants to be a Buddhist nun, her mother is aghast. In her eyes, a nun’s life means only deprivation – “no freedom, no love, no meat.” But to Meng Ning, it means the chance to control her own destiny, and to live in an oasis of music, art, and poetry far from her parents unhappy union.

With an enigmatic nun known as Yi Kong “Depending on Emptiness,” as her mentor, Meng Ning spends the next ten years studying abroad, disdaining men, and preparing to enter the nunnery. Then, a fire breaks out at her Buddhist retreat, and Meng Ning is carried to safety by Michael Fuller, a young American doctor. The unprecedented physical contact stirs her curiosity. And as their tentative friendship grows intimate, Meng Ning realizes she must choose between the sensual and the spiritual life.

From the austere beauty of China’s Buddhist temples to the whirlwind of Manhattan’s social elite, and the brilliant bustle of Paris and Hong Kong, here is a novel of joy and heartbreak – and of the surprising paths that lead us to where we most need to be.

Reviews:

Romance Review Today:

"Interesting study...sensual awakening..."

Blue Archipelago: Book Review Rating:

"I loved this book – from the very first page. It’s beautifully written, it’s unique, it’s thought-provoking. There is an air of calmness and escapism in the way Yip weaves her story that makes the book so enjoyable. A plot that is truly unique..."

http://www.bluearchipelagoreviews.com/interviews/mingmei-yip-talks-petals-sky/

Asian Reviews of Books:

Yip deviates from the expected with her injection of Buddhism throughout the novel, which not only enhances the plot, but adds elements of poetry and art to the storyline.... PETALS FROM THE SKY has a sense of adventure about it that many love stories lack... Yip's melodic writing offers a love story to be discovered and a new twist on an old story.

Coffee Time Romance:

Petals from the Sky is about a woman who thought her path was straight forward and predestined until love disrupted it. Mingmei Yip uses a strong, powerful, emotional voice to tell the story. The vivid scenery, poignant upheavals, and life-voyages that this novel takes the reader on is painted with enough clarity that you can practically see it. I love how Meng Ning struggles to find herself, especially since she had thought she already knew exactly who she was. This book gives you a chance to glimpse a culture beyond what most have seen before and most will never see again.

World of Romance Harriet Klausner

"This is an intriguing look at Buddhism in mostly Paris and Hong Kong...The story line is profound as Meng must choose between spiritual and mortal loves; while coping with pressure from others trying to influence her selection...fans will enjoy Petals from the Sky..."

Read an excerpt (this readers have to click and see, the first chapter is attached in this e mail)

From Publisher's Weekly

Petals from the Sky A Buddhist nun is caught between her spiritual quest and her newfound desire for a young American doctor.

Read an Excerpt