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    The Third Son
    The Third Son
    The Third Son
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Third Son

    Written by Julie Wu

    Narrated by David Shih

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    It#8217;s 1943 as air-raid sirens blare in Japanese-occupied Taiwan, eight-year-old Saburo is in no hurry to go home to the abuse he suffers at the hands of his parents and older brother. In the peach forests of Taoyuan, he encounters Yoshiko, whose loving family is like a glimpse of paradise for him. Their brief meeting is a memory he cherishes from that moment forward, and for years after he tries to locate her again. But when he finally does, she is by the side of his eldest brother and greatest rival.As the Chinese Nationalist Army lays claim to the island after the war, Saburo bravely struggles to break free of the future assigned him by heritage and circumstance and to go in search of new frontiers.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHighbridge Company
    Release dateApr 30, 2013
    ISBN9781622311477
    The Third Son
    Author

    Julie Wu

    Julie L. Wu (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President and Professor of New Testament, China Bible Seminary in Hong Kong, China.

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    Reviews for The Third Son

    4/5

    136 ratings54 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Set in Taiwan during the transition from Japanese rule to Nationalist rule, this novel is the story of a boy named Saburo. He is a third son, neglected, overlooked and disliked by his family. Despite his evident disadvantages, Saburo grows up strong and determined. He is able to overcome the obstacles put in his way and become who he wants to be. Maybe I am reading too much into this story, and there are certainly some aspects of the story that stretch the imagination, but it almost seems like the story of Taiwan itself. Taiwan was mostly ignored and neglected for centuries, only becoming important in the 1600's as a base for trade and for troop movements in the Asian territorial wars. Since then, it has been fought over almost endlessly. One of the characters in the book commented about the Taiwanese that they didn't know who they were. They just knew how to adapt to each different ruler as they came along. I would tend to disagree. Not that I have extensive experience of Taiwan, but my father-in-law has lived there, both in the 1960's and in the 1990's, and we have visited. Judging by their more recent history, I tend to believe that the people of Taiwan have been very successful and managed to retain a national identity outside of that of China in spite of the hardships suffered as a result of that relationship - just as Saburo did. A very readable story with engaging characters.
    • 4/5
      While I wouldn't go so far as to say this book 'reads like an instant classic' as a reviewer claims on the back cover, I will say it's a pretty good story of a man's childhood in Taiwan and his immigration to and struggles in America. It's a fairly fast-paced and engrossing read. It didn't delve too deeply into a country's psyche but the story touched on historical elements that affected people in Taiwan and in America. I think this might have been one of the reason's I found the story a fast read - it touched briefly and sometimes horrifyingly on certain aspects of this man's life but skimmed pretty rapidly over others. This book would make a good book club choice for the study of history, culture and family relationships. I would recommend it.
    • 4/5
      "A wound that never healed. A promise never to be fulfilled.That was family."Julie Wu, "The Third Son"In Julie Wu's impressive first novel, "The Third Son," the above lines, found late in the story, nicely sum up what family means to her main character, Saburo, and, indeed, to many people the world over.Based loosely on the early life of her own father, Wu's novel tells about the third son of a family of modest means in Taiwan. The elder sons get the best clothes, the best food and the best education. Saburo gets what's left over, and frequent beatings besides.The novel opens during an American air raid early in World War II when Taiwan remains under Japanese control. Saburo helps Yoshiko, a girl he has just met, escape. The children, although Chinese, were given Japanese names because of the long Japanese influence. Later the Nationalist Chinese take over the island, but life seems even more oppressive than it was under the Japanese.Saburo does have one advantage over his older brothers. He is much brighter. He grows up yearning to go to America to study and perhaps even to live, but very few Taiwanese students qualify to attend universities in the United States, and they all have gone to the best schools in Taiwan. What chance does Saburo have when he has been sent to a vocational school? Of course, he does pass the qualifying test, but by then he is married to Yoshiko, who moves in with his family, and they have a son. To go to America means leaving them behind under the influence of his family, including an older brother who desired Yoshiko for himself.If "The Third Son" often seems predictable, it nevertheless remains compulsive reading throughout.The suspense lies not in the question of whether Saburo will succeed in America and be able to bring his family over to join him -- we know he will, whatever the obstacles -- but in the questions of how he will do it and whether he will ever be able to gain the acceptance and the respect of his own family. The question this fine novel leaves the reader with is whether Saburo and Yoshiko will be able to change their definition of family.
    • 5/5
      The Third Son by Julie Wu is a masterfully told story filled with strong and relatable characters, an intriguing plotline, and a wonderful look into the history and culture of Taiwan. I would not hesitate to recommend The Third Son, especially to book discussion groups.
    • 4/5
      ***Spoiler Alert***I received this book as an Early Reviewer book. It is very well written and I enjoyed reading it. I really liked the main character (Saburo) and his wife (Yoshiko) and the obstacles they needed to overcome for a better life. Saburo's nuclear family does not help him until he surpasses his favored oldest brother, and then help is provided grudgingly with strings attached. His cousin Toru was a mentor to him while he was growing up in Taiwan and saved his life in more than one way. Ulitmately, Saburo is successful, and he even earns some respect from his father who tells Toru that "They were the only ones I never worried about". The narrative flowed well to the very end, and I really enjoyed it.
    • 5/5
      I loved this inspiring novel about a Taiwanese boy growing up in an abusive family and beating the odds through natural intelligence, perseverance and hard work. Highly recommended.
    • 3/5
      Initially intriguing due to its unique historical position in Taiwan at the end of WW2, The Third Sun rapidly lost its charm for me. It plodded along towards its inevitable happy ending with its banal and utterly expected moral, occasionally touching on yet never fully addressing the most complex ethical concepts that arose. No surprises. No real thought required.The narration was solid yet uninspiring. I'm not entirely certain that wasn't deliberate though as the main character could also be thus described.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book... I think I'm drawn to Asian themed novels because the main character is always mentally tortured in some way. I can relate because the abuse is generally more self-inflicted than anything else, and this is rarely realized until the end of the story. Don't we all torture ourselves to some degree?
    • 4/5
      Julie Wu is an accomplished author. Her novel Third Son was poignant and beautiful, even through the pain. I am still haunted. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Asian immigration stories, family histories, sibling rivalries, and just plain old love stories...a satisfying read!
    • 5/5
      A quote on the back of the book says "Clear your schedule" and I would have to concur with that sentiment. I was immediately drawn to Wu's book originating during the Japanese and then Chinese control of Taiwan and ultimately leading to our central characters relocation to America.Wu's book is a masterpiece of parallels between the country without any control or freedom and Saburo, our protaganist's own struggle with the same issues. At one point, Saburo notes that "in an oppressed country, there are three means of survival". Within an oppressed family, we learn that there are also clear roles that can lead to survival. I am fascinated by books written with an apparent understanding and immersion in another culture. I was certainly entranced by Wu's novel from the beginning and all the characters and plot development appeared very realistic. I was mesmerized to learn that the basis for her novel came from the real lives of her parents. To realize that her own father was treated in the abysmal way that Saburo was in the book is almost too much to accept. She states she at first didn't want to write the common story of her parents. I, for one, am very grateful that she changed her mind. I believe we have a gifted author in Wu and look forward to future novels from her.
    • 5/5
      As in other historical fiction I like, the setting must take me to a place with which I am not familiar. In The Third Son it’s WWII Taiwan and the Japanese occupation. Chinese, by birth, but Japanese by culture, Saburo is abused by his family, fed little and ignored. His older brother is the important one. During an air raid he meets Yoshiko, and falls in love with her and her loving family, even though they are poor. His rich, politically important family shows none of the love her family members show. He loses track of her until high school when he finds her working in a pharmacy and eventually marries her. But that’s not the whole story. Even as despised as he is in his family he manages to pass the English test and goes to university in South Dakota. It’s a story of long distance love, of coming to terms with what fate dealt you in a family and the ability to adapt and succeed. She’s filled the story with interesting characters. I’d love to hear the story of Saburo’s doctor uncle. I’m sure he is entitled to his own book.This well-written debut novel makes Julie Wu an author to watch and read. (Library Thing review copy)
    • 3/5
      I really wanted to 5 star like ‘The Third Son.’ It was readable and I did finish it. But it felt like I had read the story before. Saburo and Yoshikao were bit too smarmy and almost everyone else was pretty much awful. I didn’t feel the need to root for Saburo as the style of writing foretold the ending at the beginning. The reader could pretty much tell that all of Saburo’s adversity would lead to triumph. He would get the girl in the end and the good life. That being said, I would like to learn more about the Taiwanese culture and life in Taiwan in the 20th Century.
    • 4/5
      Thanks to LibraryThing for sending me this book to preview. The book was well written and I felt very involved with the characters. I usually read immigrant stories from Eastern Europe so really enjoyed the different setting of Taiwan. Saburo's achievements were remarkable,growing from the unloved and abused third son of a strict Chinese family to graduating with a Phd and joining the early space program in America.I will be passing my copy of The Third Son on to my reading buddy and will likely reccommend it to my book club.
    • 4/5
      Saburo is born the third son in a large Taiwanese family and has the misfortune of being the child least favored. His brothers are spoiled while Saburo is beaten regularly; they are given the prize foods while Saburo suffers from malnutrition; he is not allowed to sit in with their lessons; even his sisters are valued more than he is- unusual in a culture where boys are prized. The only family member who treats him humanely is cousin Toru, a doctor. But Saburo isn’t stupid like his family claims. Although he doesn’t do well in elementary school, he learns from what few books he can get his hands on. Eventually he passes an exam that allows him into a prestigious college and teaches himself English, in hopes of getting a visa to study in the US. During this time, the Japanese have been defeated and the Chinese Nationalists have taken control of Taiwan and they prove to be as bad as the Japanese. Life is a chess game of pleasing the right people. One thing that sustains Saburo through all this is a girl he met when he was eight: Yoshiko. They meet during an air raid and become friends, but soon to be torn apart. Later as teenagers they meet again and friendship turns to love. But huge obstacles stand between them and happiness. What they want isn’t the same thing their families want- especially Saburo’s mercenary father and brother. Financial obligations, family jealousy, Nationalist spies, and more all must be overcome. Saburo’s life is one endless stream of difficulties to overcome, like a Dickensian tale set in Asia. I enjoyed the book; it’s a great tale of getting what one wants through persistence, boldness, and hard work. Some of what Saburo does to succeed is brilliant; he ends up working on the US space program, which was interesting to read about. But I have to say that after awhile the constant stream of bad things got a bit tiring by the end of the book; the tale goes somewhat flat. But one must remember that this is Wu’s first novel. It is suspenseful, wondering when one of the bad things will be too big to overcome; wondering if he is writing his tale from a Nationalist prison. I give it four stars, and will look out for Wu’s next book.
    • 3/5
      I received this book in a LibraryThing giveaway. The`Third Son takes place in the waning days of World War II and in its aftermath. The novel begins in Taiwan, which is occupied by the Japanese . Saburo, the protagonist, is eight years old. When there is an air raid, his school is closed and he is told to go home. On the way home, he meets two school girls his own age who are also trying to escape from the bombing in the woods. One of these is Yoshiko. Sabaro is entranced by her and instead of going towards his own home when the air raid ends, he walks with Yoshiko towards hers. On the way, they are met by her older brother, who is out riding his bike to search for Yoshiko. The display of affection between the siblings when they meet surprises Saburo , whose own family life is cold and forbidding. Saburo’s parents favor his older brother Kazuo and, to a lesser extent, the other children in the family. Food is rationed and Saburo is only given what food is left after the rest of the family is served. His mind wanders in school and he prefers exploring the outdoors to his school books. He is frequently beaten by his mother.At the end of World War II, the Japanese are replaced by Nationalist Chinese who support Chiang Kai-shek . Chiang’s army is losing to the Communist on mainland China. For the native Taiwanese, this changes little except that instead of learning Japanese in school they now learn a different dialect of Chinese in school. The Taiwanese remain second-class citizens in their own homeland. Any disloyalty is punished. And Saburo continues as the disfavored child in his own home. But once again, Saburo sees Yoshiko. He recognizes her at once as the entrancing girl he met in the woods years before. He’s stunned when he learns that Yoshiko has agreed to go out on a date with his brother Kazuo. But Saburo is determined to win Yoshiko for his own.As Saburo pursues both Yoshiko and the academic honors Kazuo thinks are rightfully his, Kazuo's jealously makes him attempt to thwart his younger brother. While this novel was an enjoyable read, it suffered from the fact that I had read The Lowland and Mambo in Chinatown shortly before reading it. Both cover some of the same ground . Both are better written. One of the problems here is that the characters are good or evil. This reads like a family history with the story of that history told from the perspective of Saburo. I found myself wondering how the story would have differed if we could read Kazuo's and the mother's versions of events.
    • 3/5
      My parents always say, "Family will always be on your side and love you." This book was stating the opposite.

      Sorry for his childhood and his parents/brother.
      Happy for his success and his own family.

      First reading a Taiwanese historical fiction book, made me want to learn more its history.


      Received a free copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program.
    • 4/5
      The Third Son just about broke my heart in several places and especially after I read the author's note at the end and found out the Saburo was based on her father. How sad for a child to be treated no better than a dog, WORSE than a dog, because he was the 3rd son. The story had a lot of historical facts which were very interesting and Saburo's quest and then winning the hand of his love had me silently cheering but I was very frustrated by the loyalty he showed his parents even after all the abuse he endured and the mistreatment and neglect of his wife and baby son after he'd gone to America for his education. I would like to know how his relationship with his awful parents and older brother turned out.
    • 4/5
      I don't really know what it was about this book, but the blurb on the back cover calls it "your next obsessive read" and it actually was. Okay, I wasn't obsessed with reading it, but I did feel drawn back to it again and again when I knew I should be doing other things (like housework). The story moves along at a good pace, never getting bogged down in culture or details like some books that take place in Asian countries; it doesn't have the monumental ups and downs like a [author: Lisa See] book but it trucks along with conflict and intrigue. There's a bit of romance and information, history and politics. At its heart is a theme of loyalty and duty and what it means to have them with a personal identity, too. The framework of the political strain in Taiwan creates a great backdrop for the story.It's not a heavy read (no tragic or gruesome scenes), but it's not a beach read (full of fluff) either.Very enjoyable and I'm glad to have read it.
    • 4/5
      While I wouldn't go so far as to say this book 'reads like an instant classic' as a reviewer claims on the back cover, I will say it's a pretty good story of a man's childhood in Taiwan and his immigration to and struggles in America. It's a fairly fast-paced and engrossing read. It didn't delve too deeply into a country's psyche but the story touched on historical elements that affected people in Taiwan and in America. I think this might have been one of the reason's I found the story a fast read - it touched briefly and sometimes horrifyingly on certain aspects of this man's life but skimmed pretty rapidly over others. This book would make a good book club choice for the study of history, culture and family relationships. I would recommend it.
    • 3/5
      The back of the book says that The Third Son is your next obsessive read. I can't quite agree with that statement. It was a good read that delivered significant historical information about the Japanese occupation of Taiwan followed by the constant political unrest there.The story of Saburo, the third son of a prominent political father, mirrors the struggle of his country. As a boy he was beaten and made to feel worthless. As a man he constantly fights to attain all he can. He arrives in the United States after passing an exam that is almost impossible to do. His tenacity and will to be a better parent than his own drives him toward incredible achievements. The Third Son is definitely a history buff's dream novel. I enjoyed it enough to recommend it as good historical fiction.
    • 5/5
      It is a very well written book which I enjoyed very much.We go on a journey of growth with Saburo, the child during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan to Saburo, the adult during the Chinese Nationalist rule. Saburo is the third son of a wealthy family but for some reasons he is treated very badly by his parents and elder brother. He works very hard to be someone other than how his family regarded him and tries to win their approval. The author, Julie Wu also gives readers a glimpse of the political workings during that period in Taiwan. I am looking forward to this author's next book .
    • 5/5
      The Third Son by Julie Wu is a book that you will have trouble laying down. I was reading another book at the same time and I started reading a token chapter each night because I was so enthralled by the story. This is a coming of age story unlike any others. It starts in 1943 in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation. His family used Japanese names so that they could get better food rations. The school children could only use the Japanese language in school and all their textbooks were in Japanese. He was the third son, mortally afraid of his father and very terrified of his mother but he wouldn’t let her know. The first son, Kazuo was continuously spoiled and praised, the second son found his niche in sports but Saburo was the scorned one. He was a dreamer and often looked at the clouds other things outside instead of studying at school and home. Years before, he used to take his younger brother outside to play. One day, they returned home and his brother got sick and died. Saburo was reminded of it every day with the beatings from his mother. By the time that he got his portion of food there was not much, his brother always got the best. So Saburo was malnourished.Saburo was at school when he saw the American planes coming on an air raid, then everyone saw them and the school teacher stood at the door as the children poured out of the building. In the forest, Saburo meets a girl about his age name Yoshinko. She tells him stories of her loving family, of a father who brings her moachi, a rice cake with sweet fillings. They agree that the peanut ones are the best (Mine too!) He becomes enchanted by her and dreams of her and her wonderful family. When Japan is bombed by the United States, they lose Taiwan and it goes to the losers in China as a booby prize. Huge changes come with the Nationalists. One day, his name is Saburo the next day it is a Chinese name that his father announced to him. But many changes that Taiwanese will never forget.This novel takes you through a part of Taiwanese history and the horrors of the Nationalist’s take over. You see America through the eyes of some one wanted to escape his family and political intrigue. Will his father ever respect him? Will he win Yoshinko’s heart? What will become of him?I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in Chinese culture, Taiwanese history and how the struggles of boy determined to get food, love and respect.I received this book from the Library Thing as a win but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
    • 5/5
      The setting is Taiwan in the 1940’s which caught between Japanese and Chinese rule. The third son of a large family, Suburo was not loved by his parents and was beaten daily by his mother who constantly called him stupid. He was never given enough food or the chance at education that his favored older brother received. One day when he was just a grade school boy, and was running for cover during an air raid, he met a young girl from a different school. When her older brother came to find her he witnessed for the first time the love and affection that a family should offer. He never forgot that, and years later she became his wife. Suburo was smart and studied hard to succeed in passing a test to study in America for one year. The only problem was he had to leave his wife and son behind until he could send for them. The plot was totally engrossing and I was caught up in this book from the very first page. Suburo was torn between his culture of honoring his family or learning to let the past go and finding freedom and happiness for himself and his family in America. “The Third Son” is the debut novel by the author and I’m sure it is going to be a great success. I received this book through Library Thing as part of the Early Readers program.
    • 3/5
      I love reading books that give me a glimpse into another time and place and with Julie Wu's first novel, she did a pretty good job. She introduces us to Saburo, a young Chinese boy living in Japanese-occupied Taiwan. We follow Saburo through his life triumphs and struggles as he strives for a better life.I think the beginning of the book was my favorite part as we look at life through young Saburo's eyes. Everyone is struggling to put food on the table and the air raids keep children close to home, not knowing when they will strike or who could be wounded. Children are taught to run for cover holding their backpacks over their heads, no matter how bulky they are and how much this can slow them down. The day Saburo meets Yoshiko he finally realizes how silly this action is, knowing a schoolbook will not offer protection from a bomb.Saburo creates an instant friendship with Yoshiko and even when they seem to disappear from each others lives, she is always in his thoughts. When he ponders his future he learns that he desires more for his life than his parents expect from him. Since he is not the first-born son, he is not given priority for better schooling and other opportunities. So Saburo quickly learns that if he is going to find any success for himself, he is going to have to work hard and make it happen on his own.This is a story about a young man with the odds stacked against him. Saburo does not accept his fate as he studies harder than any other family member setting him on a track that will allow him to escape the turmoil that has been cast upon Taiwan. It was a heart-wrenching and difficult journey for Saburo but he does persevere, allowing him to achieve his dreams.I don't want to give any more of this book away, but it was enjoyable. David Shih brought Saburo's character to life for me and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his narration. As much as I enjoyed this book, I have to admit that I didn't love it, but I do think Wu is off to a great start with this novel and I definitely look forward to her next book. With themes of love, war, family obligations, and perseverance, you may enjoy this book just as much as I did, or even more! I recommend this novel as a book club selection or for personal leisure.
    • 3/5
      First sons ensured the continuation of the family name.Second sons were an important backup.Third sons weren’t much honored by their family. Saburo is a third son. In addition he was the scapegoat of his family, abused physically, verbally and emotionally. This historical novel begins with the closing of WWll in Japanese occupied Formosa. During a bombing by American forces, Saburo met and saved Yoshiko, a girl his age, and has a quick glimpse of what a loving family should be. This memory is one he held dear, helping him to endure. Instead of being crushed by his abusers, Saburo became a determinedly independent thinker which helped him in his goals of escaping his tyrannical family and government and finding his way to his own rewarding career, love and family. This is an engaging historical story. The book started out strongly with details about life on Formosa during the turbulent years when Chiang Kai Shek and the Nationalist Chinese government came to power. As a US reader, I had learned the story of Chaing Kai Shek’s goodness in school history classes. I had no idea of the terror he brought to Taiwanese citizens. The story then continues to the United States and beginnings of the space age in the Sputnik area of the 50’s and 60’s and the excitement of scientitic communities during this time. Somehow, though. I never quite connected emotionally with the story once we were past Saburo’s childhood. Part of this was due to the author’s tendency to tell about situations through letters and summation paragraphs, rather than letting events unfold through the characters. The story itself, though, also had a curious emotional flatness . It was rather like reading a family journal that skips from main event to main event within a life, without having the reader become personally invested in the story.
    • 4/5
      All Saburo knew was neglect and abuse. He was his fathers third son and thought his family had money, he grew up malnourished and dismissed. Thankfully, he had a handful of people in his life who believed in him. Through the encouragement of his cousin, the belief of his wife, and the mentorship of his department head, he found his way and broke through all the barriers that stood in his way. From page 1 through the end, you find yourself rooting for this poor underdog. And he doesn't disappoint.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed The Third Son, but I have to admit, several times I was tempted to flip to the the last pages! I had become so emotionally attached to Saburo and his story and I so wanted a happy ending for him. I was captivated by the details Wu used to create the character of this small unloved boy, and I cheered him on as he overcame such odds to reach America, the place of his dreams. I think the character of Saburo will linger with me for a while. Thanks, Julie Wu, for pulling me into this world.
    • 5/5
      The third son and least favorite child, Saburo is eager to escape home and school for the outdoors. As the air raid sirens blow, he runs into Yoshiko, a lovely girl full of life and freedom. Their brief encounter changes his life, he spends time looking for her and trying to reconnect. After winning her heart, Saburo takes an American examination and against all odds he passes. Leaving behind his wife and newborn son, he travels to America, determined to make a new and better life for his family.I thought this book was exceedingly well written. Learning about Taiwan was interesting, and seeing Saburo's reactions to life in America was just fascinating. I felt his determination to make a new life and his yearning for his wife and son. Overall, highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      I had very little knowledge about this era in history, and so really enjoyed this book by Julie Wu. For me, Saburo joins a long list of favorite characters from other "coming to America" books that I have loved over the years.
    • 4/5
      Just loved this story. Julie Wu creates likeable characters who you get to follow through their lives in Taiwan and America. The main character, Saburo goes through life - as the third and LEAST liked son in a relatively wealthy and "connected" Taiwanese family. It illustrates his dogged determination to not let that label steer him through life. The one positive in his life is the love of his life, Yoshiko. Together they battle all kinds of hostile conditions - war, cultural beliefs, family, illness and more, but Saburo's character will not allow him to fail.Great settings on both continents (Asia and America) and written in such a way that it's hard to put down.Always great to read about other cultures - even when the practices are hard to believe... but HOORAY for Julie Wu's characters!