DNF

I managed to reach page 146 out of 358, but unfortunately, I have to put this book down. I am extremely bored.

The overall plot idea is not bad, yet I truly don't enjoy the way it is executed. Generally speaking, it is also difficult for me to follow stories about people I don't care about.

Regarding the style, my main grievance is Kwan's dialogue. She speaks English with a strong accent, which wouldn't be a problem for me to read if her dialogue was presented in the common way in novels (a new paragraph for each speaker, with time for the other character to respond, etc.). However, she goes on long monologues, in her highly stylized way of speaking, about people whose significance I completely fail to understand in the context of this story. It is confusing, dull, and continuous.

*Note: Generally, I don't like reading extensive amounts of highly stylized English. I recall having a similar experience when reading Huckleberry Finn and The Color Purple.

My other complaint about the style is the excessive detail that simply doesn't matter. For instance, I don't need to know every single minor detail of how women work in their daily lives on Thistle Mountain. I don't really care about the minute details of the house that Olivia and her husband purchased, especially when the house doesn't even matter to the big picture of the story. If these details are important, I want to know the reason why.

The second major issue I have is with the other main narrator/character - Olivia. I find her to be very unlikable. She is rude, unfairly judgmental of her family members, and has a strange relationship with her soon-to-be-ex-husband. The constant presence of her partner's deceased ex-girlfriend as a source of stress in their relationship is so peculiar and un-relatable. While that might not necessarily be a deal breaker in fiction, I don't think Tan did a good job of making this setup interesting enough or making Olivia sympathetic enough to keep me engaged.

So, between my dislike for Olivia as a character and my aversion to Kwan's dialogue, not to mention that I still don't understand what Kwan's extremely detailed stories about living in China and encountering English missionaries have to do with Olivia's story, I have completely lost interest in continuing this book.

I only managed to get half way through this book before ultimately giving up.

The main character really grated on my nerves. Not only was she extremely mean to her sister, but she also seemed to lack any real personality. It was difficult to empathize with her or find any redeeming qualities.

The dialogue between the two sisters was another major let-down. It felt stilted and unnatural, as if the author was trying too hard to force the conversation rather than letting it flow organically.

Furthermore, the plot seemed to be rather thin. There wasn't much happening to keep my interest, and the historical flashbacks that were thrown in made no sense and didn't add anything to the story.

Overall, this was one of the worst books I've read in a long time. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Probably my favourite of Amy Tan's books is this one.

It has a great character in Kwan, who is the sister of Olivia, the main character of the book.

Kwan is truly remarkable as she can see ghosts with her 'yin' eyes. This unique ability not only makes her an interesting character but also allows her to have a different perspective on the world.

Moreover, Kwan plays an important role in teaching her sister, Olivia, to trust her own many senses.

She helps Olivia to open up and explore the deeper aspects of herself and the world around her.

The relationship between Kwan and Olivia is really touching.

It shows the power of sisterhood and the importance of believing in oneself.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read that combines elements of mystery, family, and self-discovery.

It leaves a lasting impression on the reader and makes them reflect on their own lives and relationships.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story with strong characters and a touching plot.

Amy Tan has once more crafted a captivating story that truly engages the mind.

The Hundred Secret Senses is a tale that is filled with suspense, haunted by mystery, enigmatic in its nature, touching in its emotions, and powerful in its impact.

The presence of Kwan in Olivia's life has brought about a significant transformation. It has not only changed Olivia's life but has also imparted numerous valuable life lessons to her.

Amy Tan beautifully depicts the deep and strong bonding that exists between two sisters and within the family.

Although Kwan can be a bit annoying at times when she repeatedly tells the same thing to Olivia, yet beneath it all, one can sense her love and her quiet, unwavering protection for Olivia.

I particularly love the ending of the book where Olivia and Simon finally get the happy ending they deserve. It brings a sense of closure and satisfaction to the readers, leaving them with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Overall, The Hundred Secret Senses is a remarkable work of literature that showcases Amy Tan's talent as a storyteller.