I just want to say that the novels that blend between cultures and reveal to us the hidden magic among them can be really wonderful. And in this novel, it is situated between the antiquity and traditions of Chinese society, and the modernity and openness of American society, resulting in a beautiful novel that reveals to us a rich and unique life.

This novel is beautiful, profound, and enjoyable. It stirs up many emotions in the soul. It takes the readers on a journey through different cultures and experiences, allowing them to see the world from different perspectives. The characters in the novel are well-developed and complex, and their stories are engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, this is a novel that is well worth reading. It not only entertains but also educates, and it leaves a lasting impression on the readers. It shows us that there is beauty and magic in every culture, and that by understanding and appreciating each other's cultures, we can build a more harmonious and inclusive world.

So I really like this book.

What I particularly appreciate about it is the sweetness of Kwan. However, in just about all the books, there is always a character who is as straight-laced as can be and refuses to believe in ghostly things.

This can be a bit irritating, especially when you have proof that such things exist.

The best aspect of this book is the concept that these people cared for each other so deeply that they kept being reborn just to be with one another. It's a really nice way to view death, in all honesty. It's quite friendly. If you loved someone in this life, then they will be reborn just to be with you again.

It was nice to see how Olivia learned to be more open-minded. But it was frustrating that the story was told mostly from her perspective because I really wanted to shake her and tell her to stop being so insecure. Come on! And that love isn't perfect or without problems. Just because you're not happy all the time with the person you love, it doesn't mean it's not love.

Also, reading this book again made me get a bit teary-eyed in certain places. It truly is a sweet book.

Olivia, born to a Chinese father and an American mother, has spent her entire life in San Francisco. Sadly, her father passes away when she is still young. Before his death, he reveals to her mother that he was previously married and had a child in China. As his dying wish, he asks Olivia's mother to find this child and bring her to America. Soon, Olivia's half-sister, Kwan, arrives and starts living with the family. However, Kwan is not what one would consider normal by either Chinese or American standards. She claims to have yin eyes, which enable her to see and communicate with the ghosts of the departed. Additionally, she often shares detailed accounts of her past lives with Olivia. Olivia doesn't take a liking to Kwan, and the two sisters struggle to form the close relationship that Kwan desires. Meanwhile, Olivia is also dealing with her own problems as she is going through a divorce from Simon, a man she once loved but now constantly argues with. Despite Kwan's repeated attempts to reconcile Olivia and Simon, it is only when the three decide to visit China, specifically Kwan's old home, that they begin to rediscover each other and realize the significant role they play in each other's lives.

I've been a long-time admirer of Amy Tan's work and have read almost everything she has published. I first read this book many years ago, but over time, I had forgotten most of my initial insights. When the opportunity to review it presented itself, I eagerly accepted, as who could resist the chance to once again immerse themselves in Tan's rich and wonderful world. As I delved back into the story, some fragments of the book came back to me, but I must admit that most of it caught me by surprise, which was exactly what I had hoped for. Although this isn't my favorite of Tan's books (that honor goes to The Kitchen God's Wife), I still had a great time rereading this one. Tan is a master at creating characters that readers instantly care about, and her plotlines are truly captivating.

Kwan and Olivia make for an unusual pair. Despite having no similarities or shared traits, Kwan is constantly talking about the likenesses between them. While Kwan is loving and forgiving, believing in past lives and ghosts, Olivia is more shrewd and headstrong, and at times, can even be cruel. As the girls grow and mature together, these traits remain. Despite Olivia's often unkind treatment, Kwan always looks out for her younger sister and is always willing to think the best of her. I liked Kwan, but Olivia was a different story. She was frequently hard-hearted and emotionally volatile, and when faced with softer and nobler emotions, she often became selfish and vindictive. This is evident not only in her relationship with Kwan but also with Simon. Olivia is often appalled by Kwan and resents her with a passion that Kwan chooses to ignore. With Simon, Olivia is jealous and possessive, not allowing him the space or time to mourn his past losses.
As Kwan tells Olivia the story of her past life, she reveals how she lived with Jesuit missionaries in 19th-century China and befriended an American woman named Miss Banner, who had her own secrets. This historical fiction element is seamlessly integrated into the modern-day storyline, presenting Kwan in a more complete and comprehensive light. It reveals her character not only from the past but also in the present. As the historical plotline progresses, we understand why it was so difficult for Kwan to be loyal to Miss Banner and why the woman came to rely on her above all others. This storyline explores themes of war, loyalty, and romance, and serves as the perfect companion to the modern-day tale of Olivia and Kwan.
In the modern timeline, Olivia begins to disclose the details of her failed relationship with Simon, painting a picture of a broken man and a couple who have been unable to heal over time. Simon and Olivia's relationship is marred by Olivia's suspicion that Simon still harbors feelings for a past lover. When the three travel to China to visit Kwan's homeland, each is searching for something different. As the trip unfolds, resentments and doubts surface but gradually begin to fade after an unexpected event occurs. The three then embark on new and precarious paths in their relationships, and Olivia discovers a secret about herself that will not only transform her relationship with Kwan but also with Simon.
This book is actually a collection of stories within a story, and as it progresses gracefully, themes of identity, family, and memory are explored and reexamined. It concludes on a bittersweet note, yet it is not without hope. While some of the characters experience significant emotional growth, others stubbornly cling to their recalcitrant behaviors. It is a story that emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and showcases the delicate bond and love between two sisters who are so different from each other yet so alike. A truly engaging read that will keep you under Tan's spell until the very last page.

How shall I put this?

The main protagonist or narrator of this book is truly a jerk. A huge one at that. I just can't fathom for a moment why it takes her almost losing her husband and actually losing her sister for her to stop being a jerk for more than 10 minutes. But that's exactly what happens.

This is probably the very reason why I don't typically like romantic comedies. I would expect that by the time people reach their mid-30s, they have already figured out how to be compassionate or at least somewhat emotionally intelligent. That doesn't seem like an overly excessive request, does it?

The secondary protagonist, who is the main character's sister, was truly delightful. At times, she could be overbearing, yes. It's a simple narrative device used by the author, but it's very illustrative. When she switches from narrating in somewhat broken English to Chinese, her language becomes deeper, richer, and occasionally even rather poetic. In fact, I really wish the entire novel had been about her and her life (or lives?) in China.

With the exception of the (terribly clichéd) ending, Amy Tan manages to maintain the interest of the reader throughout the book. She circumvents predictability with little twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night and early into the morning.

Beautifully profound and amazing, soulful writing.

It is truly a masterpiece that leaves me at a loss for words. I cannot vocalize my thoughts on this without giving away spoilers. But oh, talk about reading something at the right time!

This book is a dedication to sisterhood, to friendships, to loyalty, and to love of all varieties. It explores the complex and beautiful relationships that we form in life and the importance of holding onto them.

The author has done an excellent job of creating characters that are relatable and engaging. I found myself completely invested in their stories and emotions.

I would be raving about this wonderful book for a long time to come! It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will touch their heart and make them think.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read that will stay with them long after they have turned the last page.

Haunting and magical, Amy Tan's work truly brings these characters to life. As I read this book slowly, I felt as if they were living with me for a week. I didn't want it to end because it was so captivating. I found myself laughing aloud many times, especially when reading about the sisterly bond between Kwan and Olivia. Olivia is such a real and relatable character. She is imperfect, impatient, and often unhappy, which makes her all the more human. On the other hand, Kwan is goofy, good-spirited, and wonderfully humorous. The bonds between the characters are heartwarming and the realizations and nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout Tan's prose are both profound and thought-provoking. This book is a true gem and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

We all hear of Amy Tan with great respect. However, I was initially unsure if “The Joy Luck Club” was the right fit for me. As a fan of mystique, “The Hundred Secret Senses” was a title that truly drew me in. I had high expectations for Amy’s work. After all, she plays keyboard in a band with other big league authors like Stephen King, for Pete’s sake!

The journey I discovered within the pages of this book is nothing short of epic and multifaceted. I seriously doubt that a blockbuster film could do it justice, although I would still love to see it adapted. The numerous storylines are dynamic and truly unforgettable.

Olivia’s Dad has a Daughter. They sponsor the 18-year-old into the United States. Gregarious and not at all shy, she is thrilled to have a sister, and she lavishes love upon Olivia. However, Olivia finds this awkward coming from a stranger, especially since her shaky English embarrasses her around friends. There are also two young brothers, who are mentioned less than their Mom. Olivia’s treatment of Kwan is rather poor. I can understand the shock of having a nearly-grown sibling suddenly introduced into the family, but many people have relatives who are outright jerks. Kwan, on the other hand, was affectionate and loyal to all, even in the face of rudeness. Thus, that rejection really bothered me.

One story centers on Olivia’s ex-husband, Simon, and some bizarre circumstances regarding a past university girlfriend. The fierce memory of this affected his and Olivia’s marriage. Kwan convinces them to accompany her to China, her first return in three decades. The events that unfold there reach a whole other magnitude. The novel had not been particularly metaphysical until that point. But there, I was thrilled to explore concepts such as ghosts, body-switching, and convincing instances of reincarnation. Growing up, Olivia shared her room with Kwan. Kwan chatted nightly about her sharply remembered past lives, and Olivia inadvertently found herself learning Mandarin. On the trip back to Kwan’s hometown, those story snippets come together with a surreal impact that is impossible to doubt!

Overall, Amy Tan’s “The Hundred Secret Senses” is a captivating and thought-provoking read that takes the reader on a journey through different cultures, relationships, and the mysteries of the human psyche. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

This book was truly a beautiful surprise for me.

I believe it is the very first book of the author that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The story unfolds in a fascinating way, with a thread that weaves through the past and has unexpected twists in the present. The concept of karma, although not explicitly mentioned in the story, is strongly felt.

The way our souls seem to remember things from our past lives is a captivating idea that adds depth and wonder to the narrative.

All of these elements combine to make this book an extremely interesting read.

I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book to anyone who loves a good story that challenges their thinking and takes them on a journey through time and the mysteries of the human soul.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Another wonderful Amy Tan novel!

She has an amazing talent for skillfully weaving together characters from different generations or ages and their diverse cultural experiences.

In this particular novel, what I really liked was how she delved deep into the past, specifically the Taiping Rebellion, to establish profound connections with her modern-day characters.

It's truly remarkable how she can bridge the gap between different eras and make the story so engaging and thought-provoking.

The way she brings history to life and shows its impact on the present is a testament to her great writing ability.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that explore the complexity of human relationships and the influence of culture and history.

It has become a long-established tradition for me to read Amy Tan's books whenever I am flying. My recent journey to Las Vegas was no different. At the very last moment, I retrieved Amy Tan's The Hundred Secret Senses - the Kindle version - and immediately delved into it as soon as I was able to switch on my electronic devices.

The book commences with the words, "My sister Kwan believes she has yin eyes. She sees those who have passed away and now reside in the World of Yin, ghosts who emerge from the mists just to visit her kitchen on Balboa Street in San Francisco."

This book is filled with numerous ghosts. In particular, two or three of them are fundamental to the storyline. The tales of their lives, deaths, and in some instances, reincarnations are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative as Kwan alternates between her accented English and Chinese to relate the stories to her sister Olivia. Kwan spends time in a mental institution due to her experiences.

To Kwan, the ghosts are very real. Olivia, who was born and raised in America and is not part of the culture from which Kwan is speaking, is skeptical. Nevertheless, against her will, over the course of decades of listening to her sister, Olivia has learned the stories, internalized them, and has become haunted by some of them herself, as well as acquiring a few new ones.

The ghosts are the reason why Kwan is so desperate to repair Olivia's failed marriage. The ghosts and their story are the impetus for Olivia, Simon (Olivia's ex-husband), and Kwan to travel to China. However, a ghost cannot alter anything about its past life. Ghosts are deceased. It is ultimately the living, the dying, and the newly born who bring the story to a resolution.

Tan portrays both of these women - Olivia and Kwan - with such thoroughness that you feel as if you know them intimately, as if you have known them since childhood. Through the long-running arguments and story-telling between them, she also brings the ghosts to life, along with their stories, their passions, and their very real lives that once were, to the extent that they too become characters in the present story.

If it seems disjointed - as if I am still grappling with this book, trying to make sense of it, attempting to figure out how Tan achieved what she did, and why - that is precisely the case. There is an abundance of story here. Tan's books are thick, dense with plot, and rich in characters, and The Hundred Secret Senses is no exception. It is completely immersive, and I found myself longing for my flight to have lasted longer than the approximately two hours it actually did, so that I could have read more of it. As it was, I stayed up until 2:00 am reading it in the midst of my vacation. It is that good. Read it. Enjoy it.

This is such a great story. It has so many interesting elements and a captivating plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. However, there is one aspect that really stands out to me, and that is the main character. I just wish the main character wasn't so unlikeable.

The main character seems to lack certain qualities that would make them more relatable and endearing. They might have some flaws or make some decisions that are hard to understand or empathize with. This can sometimes make it difficult to fully invest in the story and root for the character's success.

Despite this, the story itself is still very enjoyable. The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and detailed world, and the supporting characters are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. I would still recommend this story to others, but I hope that in future works, the author will focus more on creating main characters that are more likable and easy to cheer for.

Takie 3,5

The book has some beautiful moments. The author describes the trip to China extremely well, in such a vivid way that at this moment I have the urge to pack my bags and go. Her characters come alive and are very realistic.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the main character, which made reading very difficult. The second criticism is the story told by Kwan, in which I completely couldn't empathize and with a sigh I welcomed every paragraph in which there was a return to the main story being told. I don't know, after reading the whole thing I really like it, but reading wasn't easy and only after the good half of the book did I really get involved.

I also think that the Polish translation unfortunately limps, because sometimes my eyes hurt ;-).

Overall, despite the difficulties I had with the main character and the side story, there were still enough good aspects in the book to make it worth reading. The descriptions of China were fascinating and made me want to visit the country myself. The author's writing style is engaging and keeps the reader's attention throughout. However, the translation could have been better, as it sometimes detracted from the overall experience. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in China and enjoy reading stories with a bit of mystery and adventure.