I was extremely disappointed with this book.

At the beginning, it presents a truly wonderful story about the mother-daughter relationship, which grabs the reader's attention immediately. However, as the narrative progresses, it soon delves into the story of Winnie's life.

Unfortunately, this part becomes extremely boring and, at times, even poses difficulties in reading.

The pacing slows down significantly, and the plot seems to lose its direction.

I had such high hopes for this book, especially after the promising start, but it failed to live up to my expectations.

I found myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to continue reading.

Overall, I was very disappointed with the way the story developed and would not recommend this book to others.

I absolutely loved this book!

I initially had no clear expectations as the blurb failed to really engage me. In fact, at the beginning, I wasn't overly interested in Pearl's story. However, everything changed when Winnie entered the scene! And what an amazing tale she had to tell!

Amy Tan has an incredible talent for creating such vivid and realistic characters. They come alive through their flaws and ordinariness, making them relatable and endearing. The relationship between Winnie and her daughter Pearl is portrayed so beautifully that it truly touched my heart. This book is not only fascinating, especially for someone like me with a rather patchy knowledge of 20th-century Chinese history, but also heartbreaking. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of Tan's works and exploring the wonderful worlds she creates with her words.

I read this book for the Goodreads' Book Club: Diversity in All Forms!

If you'd like to join the discussion here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

This book is an extremely short read. I managed to finish it in less than 24 hours, even while juggling work and school.

The story takes a significant turn when Winnie reveals what her life was like in China. It is a sad, yet eye-opening tale that is definitely realistic fiction!

"Winnie and Helen have safeguarded each other's most dreadful secrets for over fifty years. Now, as she believes she is on the verge of death, Helen desires to expose everything. And Winnie angrily resolves that she must be the one to disclose to her daughter, Pearl, about the past - including the terrible truth that even Helen is unaware of. And thus commences Winnie's account of her life on a small island outside Shanghai in the 1920s, and in other locations in China during World War II, tracing the joyous and desperate events that led to Winnie's arrival in America in 1949."

The vivid descriptions and the complex relationships between the characters make this book a captivating read. It offers a unique perspective on life in China during a tumultuous period and the impact it had on the lives of the individuals involved.

I read this book years ago, or rather, decades ago.

Just like the other books I've perused by this author, it is filled with a plethora of untold sorrows. The story seems to be a journey through a maze of pain and heartache.

However, towards the end, there is a glimmer of redemption. It's as if a ray of hope pierces through the dark clouds of despair.

This book has left a lasting impression on me. It makes me reflect on the human condition and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Overall, it is a good book that I would highly recommend to others.

Amy Tan has once again demonstrated her remarkable ability to teach a masterclass in intergenerational empathy and understanding.

Her works have always delved deep into the complex relationships between different generations, exploring the misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately, the bonds that connect them.

In her latest masterpiece, she takes readers on a journey through the lives of characters from different generations, revealing their hopes, dreams, fears, and the cultural and social factors that shape them.

Through her vivid and engaging storytelling, Tan shows us that by truly listening to and understanding the experiences of those who came before us, we can bridge the gap between generations and build stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Her work serves as a powerful reminder that intergenerational empathy is not only possible but essential for a harmonious and inclusive society.

As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, we can look to Tan's teachings for inspiration and guidance, learning to appreciate the wisdom and perspectives of those who have come before us and passing on our own values and experiences to the next generation.

This was my very first Tan novel. Previously, I had delved into her memoir on writing, titled The Opposite of Fate, and I was truly enamored with it. I had always thought that I would explore her fictional works when the opportune moment presented itself. And that moment arrived when I relocated to China and found myself without internet access.

Wow, now what can I say? This book is filled to the brim with a profound sense of sadness. Is this Tan's trademark? I'm not entirely certain, but it indeed offers a truly beautiful depiction of mother/daughter relationships, as well as all kinds of family and friendship bonds. And those plot twists! Goodness gracious, the plot twists! Tan is a master at creating plot twists that can make you cringe. In fact, she should probably strike a deal with Trojan because her work will really make you think twice about engaging in unprotected sex.

I completed the book just a few weeks ago, and I wish I had more to express, but unfortunately, I don't. Just pick it up. It's my first encounter with her fiction, but I've heard that it's one of her finest works. Once I have the opportunity to read more of this author's books, I'll be sure to let you know if that claim holds true.

I run a zero-tolerance, almost fascistic, kitchen regime.

This means that everything in my kitchen must be in perfect order. There is no room for chaos or mess.

So much so that my better half jokingly refers to herself as "The Kitchen God's Wife", although there is no resemblance at all to the Chinese myth.

This is also the reason the novel is on my shelf.

I admit that I have been reluctant to enter into the universe of Amy Tan, and it turns out that I had good reason.

It is probably a nice book to pick from Oprah Winfrey's Book Club if you are of Chinese/American descent and have strained family relationships. Otherwise, you will hardly be able to relate.

Despite all the "praise" it has received, it is nothing but a chick-literary lightweighter. It lacks depth and substance, and fails to truly engage the reader on a profound level.

I expected more from a book that has been so highly recommended, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.

I really enjoyed this read.

Most of it is a mother, Winnie, sharing with her daughter, Pearl, the tale of her extremely arduous life in China, uncovering numerous family secrets along the way.

The story was truly captivating and a real page-turner. What I particularly loved was how much we were able to learn about the relationship between Winnie and Pearl just from Winnie's perspective.

She answered questions that we didn't even hear being asked, and responded to reactions from Pearl that we didn't witness.

Yet, through Winnie's story, I managed to learn even more about Pearl.

It made me realize how much depth and complexity there can be in a relationship, and how one person's account can reveal so much about both themselves and the other.

This has definitely made me eager to read more of Amy Tan's works.

I'm curious to see what other fascinating stories and relationships she will explore.

I have a feeling that each of her books will offer a unique and enriching reading experience.

I truly can't believe how beautiful this was!

It really was so ridiculously disturbing at times, yet it was tastefully done. The way it was presented made it an incredibly satisfying experience.

It seems to fly by in a blink, and it has the power to bring tears several times throughout. I absolutely think it's as good, and maybe even better, than Amy Tan's first novel, The Joy Luck Club.

This work has its own unique charm and depth that sets it apart. The characters are well-developed, and the story line is engaging from start to finish.

It explores themes that are both universal and deeply personal, making it relatable to a wide range of readers. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful read. 555555/5 stars.

This is my absolute favorite among all of Amy Tan's books. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the story and couldn't put it down. The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to come alive right before your eyes. You can feel their joys, their sorrows, and their struggles as if you were experiencing them yourself. The plot is rich and complex, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I especially loved the way Amy Tan explored the themes of family, identity, and culture. She did it in such a sensitive and profound way that it really made me think about my own life and relationships. Overall, this book is a masterpiece and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

At first, I had the impression that the main theme of this work was simply the relationship between daughters and mothers. However, to my great surprise, it turned out to be so much more than that!

As I delved deeper into the story, I was delighted to uncover a whole new culture - the ancient Chinese culture. The vivid descriptions of food, its tantalizing smells, and the various senses it engages, along with the exploration of esoteric concepts, truly opened my eyes.

I was overjoyed to view things from a completely different perspective. It was like embarking on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. The author's talent is truly remarkable. They have managed to bring this rich and complex world to life in such a captivating way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read. It not only offers a beautiful exploration of the mother-daughter relationship but also provides a fascinating insight into a different culture.

The statement "so authentically captures the strength and resilience of women who are forced to endure hardship" truly highlights an important aspect.

It makes one stop and think about the countless women throughout history who have faced difficult circumstances with unwavering determination.

It is this realization that suddenly prompts me to have a strong urge to ask my grandma about her childhood. I want to know the challenges she encountered, the sacrifices she made, and how she managed to stay strong.

Similarly, I am eager to inquire about my mom's life before coming to America. What were her dreams, her fears, and the obstacles she had to overcome?

By listening to their stories, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the strength and resilience that runs in our family, and to be inspired by their remarkable journeys.