Everything Under the Sky
by Matilde Asensi
Published by HarperCollins
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Reviewed by Stephanie Boyd
Spanish painter Elvira De Poulain and her teenage niece travel to Shanghai, China to settle her late husband’s estate. She has been told he was murdered during a robbery attempt at his home in Shanghai, but when Elvira arrives she discovers it is much worse than that. Her husband is in debt for more money than Elvira can imagine–and she as his widow is now responsible for that debt. His family refuses to help, and even selling everything she owns isn’t enough.
Then an Irish journalist and a local Chinese antiquarian approach Elvira with the information that her husband was murdered for a piece of art he bought and that she and her niece are in grave danger because the box hasn’t been found. Elvira finds the box and flees Shanghai with her niece, an orphaned servant boy, the journalist, and the Chinese antique dealer. The box contains the clues to finding a treasure of both historic and unimaginable monetary value–and the race is on to find it before they are killed.
Everything Under the Sky is the most intriguing, trivia-filled historical treasure hunt story I have ever read–but it is even more than that. The main characters must deal with their own problems and insecurities, the 1920’s Chinese political situation, Chinese history and philosophies, the issue of recognition and empowerment for women, and danger, betrayal, and loss before they reach the end of the story. Elvira and her niece find immeasurable life lessons that change their belief systems and their relationship forever. I loved that Elvira is able to persevere and even embrace changes that improve her outlook on life as well as her overall health. Now I want to learn Tai Chi!
This fictional story is so well done that I question just how much might be true or partially true. Could there really have been a treasure like the one the characters are seeking? For me, this book is one of those once-in-a-lifetime books gave me a lot to think and mull over about my own life. I will recommend to everyone I know!
Armchair Interviews says: Truly a 5-star treasured read.
Author’s Web site: http://www.MatildeAsensi.net