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meghb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A very emotionally heavy read. Ruth’s anxiety seeps off the page. Definitely a book that stays with you after you’re done it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Minor: Sexual assault
krista_billings's review
5.0
I loved the imagery and descriptions in this book, as well as the relationships between the different characters. I experienced many emotions while reading.
sgtmian's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
tbgosen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
3.0
teadragon's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If the ending had not been so rushed, I would have given it four stars. I loved the first two parts and how the author explored both Ruth and LuLing's past and relationship with each other. I just feel like the last part could have been fleshed out more.
waterwalker's review
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
teeceebeecee's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
5.0
This was my first Chinese based historical fiction novel. It was amazing. There are multiple stories that have been woven throughout and it is beautiful. I was worried there would not be a happy conclusion, but this story does end with joy and hope for a better and brighter future.
cljeff19's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jahuszar's review
5.0
I absolutely adore Amy Tan and how she tackles mother daughter relationships with such honesty and truth. She intertwines the Chinese culture into the story effortlessly. I love how learning about her mother's past brings Ruth to a greater understanding and appreciation of not only her mother, but her family and herself. Amy Tan also deals with the difficulty of caring for an aging parent who is losing their mental faculties. I enjoyed this book a lot.
book_concierge's review
5.0
A very good book. Tan writes so well about the struggle between mothers and daughters to love and accept one another. She frequently deals, too, with mother's attempts to shield and protect daughter from her pains - as if hiding a dreadful past will keep the daughter safe from her own heartaches. Here, the mother's Alzheimer's adds another dimension.