The Sand Pebbles
The Sand Pebbles
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Brief
Beta602
Novel • Fiction
Yangtze River, China • 1920s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Sand Pebbles by Richard McKenna follows a sailor aboard the U.S. gunboat San Pablo in 1926 China. Amidst civil unrest, he navigates cultural tensions, duty, and personal dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of colonialism and revolution, the narrative explores the complexities faced by individuals during a turbulent historical period.
Gritty
Adventurous
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,299 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Sand Pebbles by Richard McKenna is widely praised for its vivid depiction of 1920s China and insightful exploration of cultural and ethical conflicts. Critics commend its historical accuracy and depth of character development. Some readers, however, find its pacing uneven. Overall, McKenna delivers a compelling narrative rich in thematic complexity.
Who Should Read The Sand Pebbles?
An ideal reader for Richard McKenna's The Sand Pebbles appreciates historical fiction set in exotic locations, such as China during the 1920s. Fans of The Winds of War by Herman Wouk or The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, who enjoy rich historical detail and intricate character development, would likely be captivated.
3,299 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
602
Novel • Fiction
Yangtze River, China • 1920s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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