The House Filler by author Tong Ge is one work of historical fiction that you’re not going to want to miss. This first book in the China China Trilogy is a must-read and will be a book that 1) you won’t soon forget and 2) that will spur you on to reach for the next book in the trilogy.
The House Filler draws the eye of readers with a red background that dominates the cover. On this red background is the image of a woman looking off to the right of the cover. A few strands of hair hang loose to frame her face, while the rest is tied back in the bun symbolizing she is a wife. Across her face and neck is a swath of red color. Upon learning the name of this character, we believe that that is meant to symbolize a portion of her name, and her strength and resilience – phoenix.
The woman on the cover is wearing a collar tunic and across the front of this tunic is a depiction of China. Each province of this massive country is outlined in red. This showcases just how vast this country is and gives readers a better appreciation for what is to come in the story. Beneath the outline of China is a grey mass that spans across the woman’s front reaching across her from right to left. The questions of “What is it?” and “What is the meaning of it?” are strong, but they provide a nice contrast to the cover.
The House Filler by author Tong Ge is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the early 1900s in China. Told from the first person point of view, The House Filler immediately draws readers in with the line “I met the man I grew to love and the man I came to hate on the same day.” If you’re like us, your first thought is that this going to be a love-hate relationship that we read about. That the main character of this story will grow to love the man she meets in this book, but then he’ll show her his ugly side. Well, author Ge surprises us by saying that this is not the case. This is a happy aspect of this story, and one we greatly appreciated.
The main character of this story, Golden Phoenix – Hu Jinfeng is a truly remarkable character. She is the youngest of her siblings, the only girl, and is in her twenties. She was older than the “typical” marrying age during that time period, but her moment has finally come at the beginning of this book. What readers will truly appreciate is how quickly author Ge introduces the title of this story. You’re barely two paragraphs in and you’re getting the title tied into the story. It’s a delightful element.
Author Ge beautifully captures the historical element of this book from page one. Author Ge weaves the customs and traditions of the Chinese into The House Filler. Golden Phoenix had her feet bound as a child, unfortunately (in society’s mind at that time) her feet were not the “perfect size” preferred by most men. Author Ge sprinkles throughout this book believed omens and traditions that go to enhance The House Filler’s rich historical aspect.
The more you read of The House Filler the more this book sounds like it could be a biography of Golden Phoenix. The story, told from her perspective, is engaging and gripping. Author Ge shares Golden Phoenix’s memories of various shifts in China from her childhood and moving forward into the years that come later in the story.
As The House Filler progresses readers are introduced to Golden Phoenix’s husband, in-laws, and the “pivotal” man that she will quickly grow to hate. The dynamics between Golden Phoenix and her husband’s family are truly interesting. The expectation is for her to behave a particular way, however, as she is the wife she should be treated better by the daughter-in-law than she is. Author Ge utilizes the husband to explain why she is not at this time. Until she is able to have a child (preferably a son) she will have certain expectations heaped upon her.
Golden Phoenix, as the main character, is truly engaging. She is written as strong and determined in the face of a multitude of situations that she is made to endure. The House Filler sees Golden Phoenix become more than just a “tianfang.” Author Ge shapes Golden Phoenix into a shining star of determination and resilience.
The deeper readers go into The House Filler the more author Ge showcases exactly what Golden Phoenix must endure. The House Filler is broken up into multiple sections each one focusing on a specific period of time and the monumental moments in those eras. Each time period focuses on Golden Phoenix, her family, and the impacts of each specific situation.
The House Filler gives readers an epic family saga that will literally have you page-turning to find out what is going to happen next with Golden Phoenix and her family. The beginning and middle years of the twentieth century were truly a tumultuous time for China.
Author Ge hits her characters and readers with the Japanese Invasion, the civil war, and then the takeover of the Communist party. It’s a series of wild eras that keep Golden Phoenix and her family in constant chaos and fear. It’s also what keeps readers glued to the pages to find out what is going to happen next.
Is everything dangerous and chaotic in The House Filler? No, it’s not. There are many heartwarming moments scattered throughout this story. Golden Phoenix has many a happy moment in her life as it unfolds on the pages. She finds happiness and love, she has a family, and she has a home. But, nothing lasts forever, and that is the case as her story unfolds.
The House Filler reads like it could have been a true story. Golden Phoenix experiences so much in one lifetime. It’s a roller coaster of drama. Golden Phoenix is allowed brief breathers but it’s never for long. She must fight off a man who constantly tries to steal what belongs to her and her family. With the invasion of the Japanese, she is forced to flee her home and give up her children to fight in the war.
Readers will be pulled to the edge of their seats with each separation of Golden Phoenix from her children. You’ll be fueled by the desire and the need to know…”What happened to them?” “Will she ever see them again?” When The House Filler grips you, you’ll be hard-pressed to put this book down.
We say this a lot throughout this review, but The House Filler could be based on a true story. The way that this story draws to a close gives readers the sense that they could have potentially met these characters if they traveled to China during the periods that unfold. This book has an ending that will surprise readers. Don’t worry, we won’t spoil it for you, but we will say this – it’s an ending that will make sure you don’t forget this story anytime soon.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction are going to want to grab The House Filler. Set in China during one of the most tumultuous and chaotic times this novel will be one that you will enjoy from beginning to end. If you frequently read books about China, this is a book worth grabbing.
Pros:
- Realistic characters and scenarios
- Informative and based on real-life events over the years.
- Page-turner
- Hard to put down
- Gripping storyline
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 
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