By Tony Huang
In her novel A Summer Like That, set to release on March 18, 2025, Jane Lo transports us to the sun-soaked shores of Xiamen and the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, unfurling a narrative rich in emotional depth and cultural nuance. This contemporary romance is not merely a love story; it is a profound exploration of second chances, unexpected connections, and the complex nature of human relationships, set against the contrasting backdrops of two distinct worlds.
At the heart of this tale is Pearl, a resilient single mother from Xiamen—a character defined not just by her struggles but by her unwavering strength and creativity. As she navigates the complexities of life with resourcefulness, even stepping into the role of an unlicensed tour guide, Pearl embodies the spirit of her bustling hometown. Lo’s vivid descriptions bring Xiamen to life, from the energetic markets filled with laughter to the serene beauty of Gulanyu Island, mirroring Pearl’s vibrant spirit and her determination to provide for her son, Winwin. Her extensive knowledge of the local ferry system is more than a narrative detail; it symbolizes her deep-rooted connection to the community and her ability to intertwine her personal life with the cultural fabric surrounding her.
Enter Leo, a heartbroken teacher from Hong Kong whose journey to Xiamen serves as a poignant escape from his past. In Lo’s deft hands, Leo becomes a vessel of emotional turmoil, grappling with memories that haunt him like shadows. His struggle is rendered beautifully in a scene where he stands on Sunlight Rock, hands trembling as he attempts to capture the sunset—an image that encapsulates the weight of his heartbreak and the raw vulnerability that accompanies it. Through Pearl’s vibrant optimism and unyielding resilience, Leo begins to shed the armor of his despair, awakening to the possibility that love might again grace his life.
Lo masterfully navigates the complexities of cross-cultural communication and highlights the beauty of connection that transcends language. As Pearl and Leo communicate in a melodic blend of Putonghua and Cantonese, their efforts speak to a deeper understanding that requires more than mere words. This choreography of languages becomes a testament to their growing intimacy, celebrating the idea that love often flourishes in the spaces between comprehension and misunderstanding.
The contrasting settings of Xiamen and Hong Kong are not mere backdrops; they are characters in their own right, shaping the paths of Pearl and Leo. The vibrant streets of Xiamen pulse with life, whereas Leo’s modern apartment serves as a sanctuary of familiarity entwined with emotional confinement. This dichotomy highlights the cultural disparities that loom over their relationship, each space echoing their own struggles and desires.
As the narrative unfolds, Lo immerses readers in the rich fabric of familial expectations and societal pressures that shape Pearl and Leo’s lives. Pearl’s mother, viewing Leo through the lens of pragmatic love, reminds readers of the universal maternal instinct to seek security for loved ones. This dynamic deftly illustrates the tension between financial necessity and the search for emotional connection, prompting readers to reflect on the often conflicting motivations inherent in matters of the heart.
Each moment in A Summer Like That is imbued with tenderness, from Leo’s heartfelt gesture of buying Winwin a Spider-Man scooter to the quiet strength displayed as he defends Pearl against the judgment of his family. Lo’s ability to capture these nuances transforms simple actions into powerful symbols of commitment and connectedness. As readers, we witness not just the romance but the emergence of a familial bond, intricately crafted through shared experiences and small gestures of love.
The pivotal scenes exploring Leo’s family dynamics inject tension into the narrative, most poignantly during a dinner that becomes a battleground of cultural expectations. The clash between Pearl’s humble origins and the opulent world of Leo’s family illustrates the societal chasms that love must navigate. Lo does not shy away from portraying the discomfort and scrutiny that define this intersection, echoing the struggles many face in crossing these invisible divides.
Just when it seems Pearl and Leo might overcome their obstacles, Lo introduces a heartrending twist that forces us to confront the fragility of their connection. Pearl, feeling the weight of judgment and disapproval, makes the bittersweet choice to return to Xiamen with Winwin. This heart-wrenching decision reveals her deep love for her son and a steadfast resolve to shield herself from the pain of rejection and unfair judgement. As readers, we feel the ache of this juncture, recognizing that sometimes love, however powerful, cannot withstand the relentless pressures of societal expectations.
However, like the richest of romances, Lo saves a stirring twist for the story’s climax. In a moment that brims with hope, Leo stands at the ferry pier in Xiamen, a figure propelled by determination and love, ready to traverse any distance for a chance at a shared future. This scene pulsates with the promise of renewal, illustrating that second chances are often forged not in grand gestures but in the authentic desire to build a life that honors both love and culture.
A Summer Like That is a deeply resonant exploration of love’s complexities, the vibrant interplay of cross-cultural relationships, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Jane Lo invites us to immerse ourselves in a world that challenges our understanding of connection, prompting us to reflect on our values, aspirations, and the beautiful messiness of love. As readers, we are left with a sense of longing and optimism, reminded that even in the face of adversity, love possesses the transformative power to bridge divides, heal wounds, and illuminate the path to a future rich with possibilities.
Tony Huang is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Hong Kong Review. He is also the founder of Metacircle Fellowship, Metacircle (Hong Kong) Culture and Education Co., Ltd. and Metaeducation. He works as a guest-editor for SmokeLong Quarterly. His poems and translations have appeared in Mad Swirl, The Hong Kong Review, The Best Small Fictions Anthology Selections 2020, Tianjin Daily, Binhai Times, SmokeLong Quarterly, Nankai Journal, Large Ocean Poetry Quarterly, Yangcheng Evening News and other places.
Copy Editor: Nancy He
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