Namioka, Lensey. An ocean apart, a world away.

NAMIOKA, Lensey. An ocean apart, a world away. Random House, Dell Laurel-Leaf. 197p. c2002. 0-440-22973-1. $5.50. JS

Sixteen-year-old Yanyan lives in Nanjing, China, ten years after revolution tore her homeland apart in 1911. Strong and adventurous, she is focused on her goal of becoming a doctor. Her father is conscious of the changing times, and encourages his daughter to pursue her dream. Yanyan suddenly wonders if she would rather marry than continue her education when she finds herself attracted to her brother's friend Liang Baoshu, a revolutionary seeking to return the Manchu people to power. When Baoshu begs her to run away with him, Yanyan must make a difficult choice. Ultimately, she attends Cornell University in America, where she endures many prejudices not only as a Chinese person, but also as a woman on her way to reaching her goals.

Some of these characters were previously introduced in Ties That Bind, Ties That Break, but this book works well as a stand-alone. Namioka provides readers with a captivating story of a strong female character in a nontraditional role, smoothly weaving in aspects of Chinese culture and history without detracting from the plot. This story will appeal to both readers of historical fiction and those who enjoy novels about young women triumphing over adversity and prejudice. Olivia Durant, Adult/Teen Svcs. Lib., Webster P.L., Webster, NY