The Binding Chair

Set in late 19th and early 20th century Shanghai and London, The Binding Chair traces the life of May, a Chinese woman who endured foot binding as a child. After escaping an abusive marriage, she works in a brothel before meeting an Australian man who becomes her second husband. The narrative follows May's complex relationship with her niece Alice, daughter of her Jewish sister-in-law Lisa. Their lives intersect across continents as they navigate cultural boundaries, trauma, and the changing roles of women at the turn of the century. May's bound feet serve as a central motif throughout the novel, representing both the physical constraints of tradition and the psychological scars of her past. The story moves between Shanghai's expatriate community and Victorian London society while exploring how the characters attempt to free themselves from various forms of bondage. The novel examines themes of cultural identity, female autonomy, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. Harrison's work raises questions about whether true liberation from the past is possible and what price must be paid for freedom.

Readers note the vivid historical details and atmospheric descriptions of 1900s Shanghai, though many find the narrative structure challenging to follow. The non-linear timeline and shifting perspectives caused confusion for multiple reviewers. What readers liked: - Rich cultural and historical context - Complex female characters - Powerful writing about trauma and survival - Descriptive prose about early 20th century China What readers disliked: - Confusing chronology and character perspectives - Graphic violence and abuse scenes - Unresolved plot threads - Difficulty connecting emotionally with characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (375 ratings) Amazon: 3.2/5 (31 reviews) Several readers mentioned abandoning the book due to its dark themes and fragmented narrative. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Beautiful prose but the story felt distant and cold." Amazon reviewers frequently noted the book required concentration to follow the timeline jumps, with one stating: "The non-linear structure made an already complex story harder to engage with."

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✦ During the time period depicted in the novel (~1900), foot binding was a status symbol in China - only wealthy families could afford to have daughters who couldn't work due to bound feet ✦ Author Kathryn Harrison has written extensively about complex family relationships, drawing from her own experiences in her memoir "The Kiss," published before The Binding Chair ✦ The novel's setting in Shanghai's International Settlement was a unique historical enclave where Western and Chinese cultures intersected, operating under its own laws separate from Chinese control ✦ The practice of foot binding, central to the book's narrative, was officially banned in China in 1912, though it continued illegally in some areas into the 1930s ✦ The character May's journey from a bound-foot Chinese bride to a multilingual woman in Shanghai mirrors the real experiences of many Chinese women during this period of rapid social change