The bulk of this story takes place during the war time in China.

However, what I truly appreciated was that it wasn't simply a story or a retelling of that historical fact. Instead, it was a profound exploration of a woman's inner turmoil, constantly torn between traditional China and the longing for a better life.

Her life was filled with so much tragedy that it brought a sense of sadness as I read certain parts. But every bit of it was told with an important purpose, not just for the sake of telling a story.

Amy Tan has an incredible talent for developing her characters. They are so well-rounded, with both their flaws and strengths vividly portrayed.

Moreover, her descriptions of the surroundings are detailed and engaging, never boring or pointless, which is a huge plus for me.

By the end of the story, I felt as if I truly knew her characters, understanding their complex personalities and the challenges they faced.

Overall, it was a captivating read that left a lasting impression on me.

What's that old tweet that goes something like this: "You know how you'll be chatting with your mom about her past, and she'll share with you the most messed up story you've ever heard."

It's a tweet that really strikes a chord. It makes you think about those moments when you have deep conversations with your loved ones and discover things you never knew before.

The way it's written is so heartfelt and paced well. It feels like a natural conversation, and that's what makes it so endearing.

I started this tweet last year, so I'm not officially counting it towards this year's reading goal. But it's still a great little piece that I enjoy thinking about from time to time.

It just goes to show how a simple tweet can have such an impact and stay with you long after you've read it.

This is one of my more favorite Amy Tan books.

The reason is that the plot and story are just so interesting.

In this story of a Chinese mother and her daughter, there are all these fun twists and turns.

The pacing was pretty good, and there were enough characters, such as Wen Fu, to keep the story exciting.

The ending was a bit of a surprise, but overall it felt appropriate.

I can't say much that other reviewers haven't already said.

Whether or not you're already an Amy Tan fan, this book is a lot of fun to read.

It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between a mother and daughter, as well as the cultural differences and similarities between China and the United States.

The characters are well-developed and the writing is engaging, making it a page-turner from start to finish.

If you're looking for a good read that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

| Book Review | The Kitchen God's Wife.
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"Isn't that how it is when you must decide with your heart? You are not just choosing one thing over another. You are choosing what you want. And you are also choosing what somebody else does not want, and all the consequences that follow. You can tell yourself, That's not my problem, but those words do not wash the trouble away. Maybe it is no longer a problem in your life. But it is always a problem in your heart." - Amy Tan.
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One of the main reasons I have an absolute adoration for Tan's books lies in their complexity. The characters initially seem extremely difficult to understand and interpret. However, as one delves deeper into the story and reads along, she skillfully breaks their lives into smaller chunks, providing us with a much closer look at their true nature. I vividly remember reading The Joy Luck Club a few months ago and immediately recommending it to others. It took me a significantly longer time to finish reading The Kitchen God's Wife, but it felt even more intense than her previous work. Firstly, it centers around women. These are women who endured horrendous experiences in their early 20s during a time when China was locked in a conflict with Japan. Just imagine how detailed this book might be, and indeed, it was very heavy. Nevertheless, I would still highly recommend it to those who have a preference for books that focus on relationships.
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Winnie and Pearl do not possess the typical mother-daughter relationship. Over the years, they seem to communicate only for a few minutes over the phone and meet mostly on special occasions. Pearl perceives her mother as being too strict, while Winnie is solely focused on giving her daughter a better life. When Pearl is diagnosed with MS, she hides the truth from her mother to avoid causing chaos. During a family wedding, her aunt Helen urges Pearl to reveal the truth about her diagnosis to her mother by the end of the year, which leaves Pearl feeling frazzled. On the other hand, Helen threatens Winnie to disclose to her daughter their past that has remained hidden for decades. Winnie, who has been living in America for many years now, is compelled to think about her past in China.
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Winnie recalls her childhood in the 1920s in China, about her runaway mother and the family of aunts and uncles with whom she had to live. Neglected from a very young age, Winnie learns to take care of herself. When she is asked for marriage by a family, she doesn't see a reason to decline, and within a few weeks, she finds herself at the mercy of her husband. Wen Fu has a mean temper and no respect for women, and very soon, Winnie discovers the true nature of her husband and begins to fend for herself. She endures years of suffering at his hands and loses many children along the way. Having been employed by the Air Force, Winnie relocates with her husband to numerous villages along with other families. There, she meets Helen. The remainder of the story details the plight of the Chinese as they were raided and pushed into poverty. The descriptions are extremely graphic and filled me with a profound sense of sadness.
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Alongside Winnie's past, Helen's life has also been given ample importance. I loved many aspects of this book, but friendship, love, pain, and motherhood are what truly enticed me. As Winnie narrates her past to Pearl, the mother-daughter duo discovers a newly formed bond that only strengthens after Pearl's diagnosis is brought to light. This book is not something that everyone will enjoy reading, but it is precisely this that makes some people fall deeply in love with it. Considering that the main characters are all women, their resilience and courage are truly remarkable. Although it is a work of fiction, the portrayal of the state of the countries during the war is based on truth. It is a truly magnificent read.
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Rating - 5/5

Amy Tan is an outstanding storyteller. I read this book several years ago, shortly after the release of The Joy Luck Club. Now, I have revisited it with my 18-year-old daughter for homeschool.

We are going to have a plethora of themes to discuss. There is the backdrop of China during World War II, which provides a rich historical context. The issue of woman's rights is also prominent, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by women in that era. Female friendships and family relationships are explored in-depth, showing the complex dynamics within these connections. Additionally, there are Chinese-American themes that we haven't delved into before, adding another layer of interest and complexity to our discussions.

***SPOILER***

The story is extremely brutal, encompassing physical and emotional spousal abuse, including rape. This will undoubtedly lead to difficult but crucial discussions. It forces us to confront the harsh realities that some people have endured and encourages us to think about how we can work towards a more just and equal society. Through these discussions, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their experiences, as well as the broader themes that the book explores.

4.5 stars.

Amy Tan truly knows the art of writing. I had a hunch that I was going to have a great liking for this book, yet The Kitchen God's Wife managed to surpass my expectations.

The story revolves around Winnie and Pearl, a mother and daughter duo from San Francisco. With the assistance of a family friend, Winnie unfolds the narrative of her past in China to her daughter. This is really all I can disclose without spoiling any of the details, but I assure you that it is far more captivating than it might initially appear.

I have a deep affection for Tan's writing style. It is extremely straightforward, not wasting a single moment or meandering aimlessly. I wouldn't describe it as being overly concise, but it definitely doesn't beat around the bush. However, that doesn't imply that it lacks detail or emotion. On the contrary, the emotions are intense and impactful, and it is impossible to avoid them while reading this book.

The characters are also masterfully crafted. I adored Winnie to no end. She was a captivating protagonist, possessing both strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Her growth throughout the story was truly remarkable and a pleasure to read. Typically, I'm not a fan of main characters who are more passive, but Winnie was the exception. I really liked Pearl as well, although I wish we could have delved deeper into her character and seen more of the mother-daughter relationship between her and Winnie. Helen was a super interesting and well-developed side character. As for Wen Fu, I absolutely loathed him. I can't even begin to put into words the extent of my hatred for him. All I'll say is that throughout the entire book, I wished Winnie would run him over with an 18-wheeler and be done with it. But then again, we were supposed to hate him, so Tan did an excellent job in that regard.

The plot was paced quite evenly, until the very end. It felt a bit rushed there. That, combined with my desire to see more of Pearl and the mother-daughter bond, were the reasons why this book didn't receive a full 5 stars. Nevertheless, I still loved this book and would highly recommend it. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings, as this book is filled with them.

3.5 stars

Pearl and her mother, Winnie, frequently find themselves at odds. Winnie immigrated to the US from China shortly after WWII. Pearl is unaware of how much of her mother's life in China has been hidden from her. However, her Aunt Helen drops hints that there are secrets. Aunt Helen urges Winnie to share with Pearl and also encourages Pearl to disclose her own secret about her health to her mother.

This book was quite good. It begins and ends with Pearl's perspective, but the majority of the story, in the middle, is Winnie's account of her life in China, related to Pearl. It is written in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are Pearl. I enjoyed Pearl's part of the story, but when the narrative switched to Winnie, it took me some time to become engaged and as interested as I eventually was. In the end, Winnie's story proved to be the heart and soul of the book.

The exploration of the mother-daughter relationship and the hidden secrets added depth and complexity to the narrative. It made me reflect on the importance of communication and understanding within families. Overall, it was an engaging read that offered insights into different cultures and generations.

This is an extremely fascinating novel.

The story that Winnie narrates about her life in China, which is under the oppressive and cruel control of her extremely abusive and hateful husband, is truly heartbreaking and disturbing.

However, her remarkable ability to find meaning within such a difficult situation is truly inspiring.

Trying to forget one's own problems by focusing on another's misery is not a beneficial approach. As it is stated, "only makes you feel afraid. You are only thinking about what more you can lose, not hoping for something better."

Toward the conclusion of her tragic period in China, Winnie finally gains empowerment.

There is something - perhaps it is hope, or love, or a combination of both - that compels her to battle against the terror that has almost always been a part of her life since her sorrowful childhood.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a profound and moving story that explores themes of abuse, empowerment, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

This experience is probably in my top 5. It was truly so good that it left a lasting impression on me.

From the moment it began, I was completely engaged and immersed in it. The details were so meticulously crafted that every aspect added to the overall charm.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation. It felt like time stood still as I was enjoying every single moment.

I can still vividly recall the emotions that surged through me during this experience. It was a combination of joy, wonder, and a sense of fulfillment.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have had this opportunity. It will always hold a special place in my heart and be a memory that I cherish forever.

Amy Tan's writing style is truly one-of-a-kind and captivating. For me, who delights in dissecting each sentence, it's both a fascinating and challenging experience. Her writing is complex as she attempts to embody a Chinese-born woman sharing her tales with a limited English vocabulary, demanding a great deal of imagination from the reader.

As I delved into the story, it served as a stark reminder of the despicable nature of mankind and how women in the past were regarded as mere objects and trophies to be toyed with. Thankfully, I am privileged to live in a society where women are not confined to the kitchen but have equal opportunities in the workplace.

The book centers around a mother revealing her profound secrets and stories to her daughter, and the subsequent blooming of their relationship. However, this development is not explicitly stated but requires inference and analysis, which is precisely what I appreciate about Tan's work.

Overall, it's a beautiful story of hope and family bonds, although I felt it was a bit overly wordy at times. Nevertheless, it offers valuable insights into the human condition and the power of communication within a family.

So tragic and difficult to read, yet so powerful. It is truly remarkable how Any Tan's writing has the ability to captivate and engage the reader from the very first page. The pain that Winnie experiences throughout the story feels incredibly real, as if we are right there with her, sharing in her struggles.

This is a beautiful story that delves deep into the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. However, it is not just about that. There are also elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery that add depth and richness to the narrative. We see Winnie grow and change as she navigates through life's challenges, learning valuable lessons along the way.

The characters in this story are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique personalities and motives. The setting is vividly described, transporting the reader to a different time and place. Overall, this is a must-read book that will leave you with a sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

This is a novel that I would have liked not to end too soon.

It is a volume that has taught me about life and strong women in 598 pages, facilitating my incursion into a country that seems to have remained with the same mentalities present even in the 20th century (the period in which the action of this book is set).

It is a novel that has charmed me with the author's grace in presenting both sad moments and bright clips equally.

It is a novel that has surely earned its place among the best reads of this year.

The link provided, https://ancasicartile.wordpress.com/2..., might offer more information about this wonderful novel.

Overall, it has been a truly captivating reading experience that I will cherish.

I look forward to exploring more works by the same author or similar ones that can offer such profound insights and engaging stories.