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In WATERLILY, Susanna Jones' second book, the main character is an English teacher in a Japanese school. Runa has done the unthinkable and has had an affair with a student. Not only that but they have been caught and she might be pregnant! Her escape is contingent on a friend she met many years ago, but has since lost touch with. Ralph, an English art supplier, has come to Japan to find a second wife. His first wife he meet in Bangkok, but something happened to her so he cannot return to the same agency or even country to find a new bride. Ralph is unstable and truly desires a subservient “backwards” bride. He is unsuccessful with his search in Japan. While continuing his search, he finds Runa. Each thinks this other person could be the answer to all of their problems; however, several inconsistencies threaten their individual goals. WATERLILY’s prose is sparse and precise; almost in the manner of Hemmingway, but her writing abilities are not yet as strong. This style is also the style stereotypically found in Asian literature i.e. the culture she is trying to capture. By using this style, Jones gives her book a more foreign feel; however, this is the only thing that does. The countries and cultures presented in this book feel weak and undeveloped. Even though she is using a sparse style, the majority of her reading audience will have never read been to the countries she is describing; hence, more description is necessary. Jones’ work confronts the stereotypes that surround the Asian world, especially when seen through American eyes. Ralph wants the stereotypical Asian wife; yet, he is unable to find one that is subservient enough for his desires. Runa is a very independent woman, who acts very “American” or “Westernized.” In fact, to an American reader, she seems unreal simply because nothing she does seems culturally different. Now whether Jones did that to demonstrate the Westernized of the East or if she was simply unable to accurately present another culture is unknown; however, it is likely done to make a point regarding the inaccuracies of stereotypes. Whether Jones is successful in her attempts at a work of literature is doubtful; however, her work will fit into the realm of popular fiction reasonable well. Jones does not have the ability as a writer to make one reevaluate the world surrounding him or her; but she can tell an interesting story.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, April 2003
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