The book commences with Pearl making plans to attend a wedding, only to discover there is also a funeral. Just like in most of Tan's books, this one delves into family history, relationships, aspects of China's cultural history, the lives of women in China, and assimilation into the United States.

Winnie and her friend Helen have harbored a secret for the majority of their lives. Additionally, Winnie's daughter Pearl has a secret she has been withholding from her mother. Helen intervenes, claiming she is dying (or is she?), and tells both Winnie and Pearl that they must disclose their secrets or she will. Winnie resolves to tell her daughter what she has kept hidden.

Winnie's story is set on a small island outside Shanghai in the 1920s. However, she relocates to other places in China before immigrating to the United States in 1949.

Winnie's tale is a tragic one. Born to a beautiful mother who vanished one day, she is sent to live with a distant relative, and her way of life undergoes a drastic transformation. She eventually marries a man who physically and emotionally abuses her. This is merely the beginning. Her story might be distressing for those who have endured domestic violence or the loss of their children. Winnie's life does not become happy until she meets Pearl's father at a military dance in China. They fall in love, and then the story of Winnie's attempts to escape and be with the man she loves unfolds. Pearl, in turn, shares her "secret" with her mother. Her secret does not have the same impact (at least for me as the reader). Their shared confessions serve to bring them closer, and the story concludes with Winnie desiring to take Pearl on a trip.

Amy Tan adeptly portrays complex relationships. She is capable of revealing the intricacies of mother/daughter relationships. Winnie and Pearl were not close, and their relationship has not always been harmonious. Tan also writes about female friendships and husband/wife relationships in this book. Her writing is beautiful and lyrical. I relished the way Winnie's story was told. It almost felt like a book within a book.

For me, it earns 4 stars. I found that I did not like this book as much as some of her others. Tan's writing is exquisite, but at times I wished things would progress a bit faster. Some may not appreciate the changing point of view of the main characters. However, I think most will not mind.

I wasn't quite anticipating this book to match the complexity or originality of Joy Luck Club. However, I don't believe it even came remotely close.

It commences with a mother/daughter relationship, but the narrative swiftly veers towards the mother's account of an abusive first marriage in feudal China during WWI. The characters are one-dimensional, and the story lacks originality. Her husband is absurdly bad, and most of the characters are flat and uninteresting.

It is overly long for what it endeavors to convey. At the conclusion, it attempts to reconnect with the mother/daughter relationship but simply falls short. It is merely a typical tale of a woman overcoming odds and finding true love, which just so happens to be set in China. There is very little emotional depth or even cultural insight.

This book fails to engage the reader on a profound level and seems to offer a rather clichéd and shallow portrayal of its subject matter.

Maybe it's because I just finished it, but I truly adored this book.

It is a captivating story about a Chinese woman named "Winnie" and the secrets she holds back from her daughter. She does this not only to safeguard her daughter but also to protect herself and her best friend.

Similar to many of the books we peruse, Winnie has endured a difficult life, which is almost horrifying in certain aspects. However, the reason I am so fond of her is that the story is not one of pure tragedy. She doesn't overly complain about her circumstances or attempt to portray herself as a hero, perhaps only in her own mind.

She relates her story to her daughter, and it feels as if I am sharing something with my dearest friend. There are some embellishments, side gossip tales, and a touch of humor. The relationship between Winnie and her best friend Hulan/Helen is so incredibly realistic that it is bound to bring a smile to your face. The experiences they go through, the love/hate dynamic, it's like a more dramatic or dysfunctional version of "I Love Lucy," making it much easier to connect with these characters and resulting in a far more enjoyable read.

Overall, this book has left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to others.

Great book!

I truly love Amy Tan's writing style. It is simply captivating. She is an extremely wonderful storyteller who has the remarkable ability to draw readers in from the very beginning.

As you start reading her stories, you immediately get sucked into these incredibly detailed and vivid worlds that she creates. The characters come alive on the pages, and you find yourself completely invested in their lives and experiences.

Her writing is so engaging that it keeps you hooked until the very end. I would highly recommend her books to anyone who loves a good story. In fact, I would rate it a perfect 10/10. You won't be disappointed!

I truly have a deep affection for this read. It has the power to transport me to different worlds and introduce me to a plethora of ideas and emotions.

Every time I pick up this book or article, I am immediately engaged and drawn into its narrative. The words seem to dance on the page, captivating my attention and making it difficult for me to put it down.

The author's writing style is so engaging and vivid that I can almost picture the scenes and characters in my mind's eye. It allows me to escape from the daily grind and immerse myself in a world of imagination and wonder.

This read has become a source of inspiration and entertainment for me. It enriches my mind and broadens my perspective. I am grateful for having discovered it and look forward to many more wonderful reads in the future.

I absolutely loved this book, the first one I've read by the author Amy Tan.

It tells the story of a woman who has lived in the USA for a couple of decades and is of Chinese origin.

No matter how far away she is from her homeland, she never forgets her traditions.

She also had to endure the cruelty of the war with Japan when she lived in China, the abandonment of her parents, and a marriage to a violent and abusive husband for many years, which will mark her forever.

I read it in the coven of Magrat as part of the Asian March 2022.

This book not only takes us on a journey through the woman's life but also gives us a glimpse into the rich and complex culture of China.

The author's writing is so vivid and engaging that I felt as if I was right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and wants to learn more about different cultures.

I officially do not want to read anything by Tan again. At least this is how I feel at the moment.

Why the three stars? The Kitchen God's Wife is very well written, but I hated what this book was doing to me. The WWII in China is merely a backdrop for the protagonist's personal drama of epic proportions. Suffice to say that when something very bad, but not exactly cruel, happened (one of protagonist's children dies, quite straightforwardly, of plague), I felt relief.

Winnie (the protagonist's new, American name) was married to a psychopath. Throughout the book, she has to cope with humiliation, degradation, and a plethora of personal tragedies. She is repeatedly, regularly raped, humiliated by her husband in private and in front of their friends, loses children because of her husband's violence and cruelty - directly and indirectly. This is, I think, a book about comradeship and despair, loss and strength. However, if you do not bear reading about serious abuse too well, consider skipping this one. It delves deep into the dark side of human nature and the horrors that one can endure. The story is powerful and emotional, but it may be too much for some readers.

Anthony Padua
12-19-13
Per. 3
Mr. Brandt Final

The Kitchen God's Wife is a captivating novel that delves into the life of Pearl, a Chinese American woman residing in California with her family. Set in the 1980s, a time when the U.S. was a melting pot of immigrants from around the world, the story unfolds in various locations within California. Pearl lives with her husband and two daughters and often visits her mother, who fled China during the Japanese invasion in World War II. Both Pearl and her mother go to great lengths to secure a better future for their children. They run a self-sufficient business, share stories of their past, and cherish family time together. This book serves as a poignant reminder that family bonds can endure even in the harshest of circumstances, a lesson that many families still need to hear today.

For me, the most unforgettable moments while reading this book were the conversations between Pearl and her mother. Their exchanges were highly entertaining as her mother bore a striking resemblance to mine. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a common trait among Asian parents or just a coincidence. Despite their love for each other, they always seemed to engage in what I would call a "playful argument." Her mother would initiate a conversation by yelling, just like my own mom! This made my reading experience truly memorable as I was able to relate to the situations described in the book on a personal level.

Ultimately, the story of Winnie is one of a Chinese woman who embarks on a new life in America, raises a daughter, and builds a family. It is a tale of breaking free from the chains of the past and serves as an inspiration to us all that it is never too late to strive for a better future. The Kitchen God's Wife tells this story with great skill, shedding light on the struggles of an ordinary Chinese immigrant who first lived in China and then in the United States.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with Asian ancestry who has moved to a new country like the United States. Reading this book was like peering into my own roots and understanding the reasons why I was born here instead of in the Philippines. The Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia was the catalyst that drove both Filipinos and Chinese to leave their beloved homelands. Despite the differences in war and other circumstances, the struggles they faced were remarkably similar. That is why I believe this book offers valuable insights into the hidden past of those who seek to understand their heritage.

(Side note: All people living in the U.S. are either an immigrant or a descendant of an immigrant!)

This book had some incredibly sad moments.

There were times when it seemed as if all hope was lost and Winnie was facing insurmountable difficulties.

However, she endured them with remarkable strength and determination.

Despite the many hardships she encountered, she refused to give up.

And in the end, she emerged triumphant over her enemies.

It was truly inspiring to see how she was able to find good things even in the midst of so much bad.

Her ability to maintain a positive outlook and look for the silver lining in every situation is something that we can all learn from.

Winnie's story serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult life may get, there is always a way to overcome and come out stronger on the other side.

I was completely immersed in the main character of this book. It was as if I was living in her world, experiencing every emotion and event along with her. So much so that I often found myself forgetting that I was reading a work of fiction. The story was truly wonderful, filled with rich details and a captivating plot. It was beautifully written, with the author's words flowing effortlessly and painting a vivid picture in my mind.

One of the most striking aspects of this book was how it made me realize just how little we know about our mothers' hearts and lives as human beings. We often take them for granted, assuming that we know everything there is to know about them. But this book showed me that there is so much more to our mothers than what meets the eye. It made me want to take the time to really get to know my own mother, to listen to her stories and understand her dreams and fears.

In conclusion, this book was a truly remarkable read. It had a profound impact on me and left me with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and depth of our mothers' lives. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

I have a deep affection for Amy Tan's books.

She never fails to discover novel perspectives to showcase an ancient culture to the global audience.

Her characters are ordinary, warm-hearted individuals who are also strong and intelligent. Each of them has a one-of-a-kind life story to tell.

Amy Tan's writing style is captivating, drawing readers in and making them feel as if they are part of the characters' lives.

Her books not only offer entertainment but also provide valuable insights into different cultures and ways of life.

Whether it's exploring the complex relationships between mothers and daughters or delving into the mysteries of an ancient heritage, Amy Tan's works always leave a lasting impression.

I highly recommend her books to anyone who is interested in literature and wants to expand their understanding of the world.

This reminds me of how mothers sacrifice the world for us.

Mothers, those selfless beings, often put aside their own dreams, desires, and even their own well-being to ensure our happiness and growth. They endure countless hardships and challenges, all for the sake of their children.

And it also makes me think about how women, despite being oppressed in various ways, manage to come out as victors. They face discrimination, inequality, and numerous obstacles, yet they persevere and overcome.

This is truly a tale of strength and great love. It showcases the remarkable power of a mother's love and the indomitable spirit of women. Their sacrifices and victories are an inspiration to us all, teaching us the importance of love, perseverance, and the ability to rise above adversity.

We should always remember and appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of mothers and women, and strive to create a world where they can thrive and be respected.