MixedThe New York Times Book ReviewTaut, narrowly focused ... While Bright I Burn attempts to do justice to the historical Alice, Aitken shrinks from confronting the real human cost of accusations of witchcraft ... There’s a moment in Bright I Burn when the novel seems to exhibit a glimmer of self-awareness.
Lisa See
MixedThe New York Times Book Review\"Because of their immense class divide, Yunxian and Meiling face formidable challenges. However, the dynamic isn’t given sufficient space to flourish on the page before coming to an abrupt standstill when Yunxian marries into the prosperous Yang family. Even after Yunxian and Meiling reunite, we are meant to take their mutual affection for granted—a leap that becomes increasingly difficult thanks to Meiling’s own ambition and keen awareness of her less privileged background ... Interesting facts fill the book, but make for stilted reading ... See’s constant expounding on the medical knowledge and social attitudes of the period results in the absence of any emotional connection with Yunxian, who shows little interiority beyond what she is feeling at the moment, whether it’s sad, lonely or helpless ... Scenes from her life tend to lack the intimacy a first-person, present-tense story should evoke. The effect is reminiscent of a historical re-enactment. The costumes may be sumptuous, the setting and props exude authenticity, but we aren’t transported; we are still on the outside looking in. Perhaps See’s book is meant to be equal parts educational and entertaining, though rarely does it feel immersive ... See succeeds when she delves into an issue that was as relevant in Yunxian’s time as it is today: the urgency for those in the medical profession to listen to women and address their concerns ... See makes clear the ameliorating effects of friendship and love. She shows how with the right people we can surpass our own expectations and that the hardships of life are often easier to endure if we don’t have to survive them alone.\
