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readerette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
While this story and the characters are not always pleasant, they feel very real. I was touched by the weaving of the mothers' and daughters' stories, how American culture bled into the lives of all the characters, the struggles of being an immigrant and a parent (and how individual each set of struggles is). Relatable and also informative on aspects of a culture I'm not that familiar with.
That said, the weaving of the characters' stories did get muddy for me, I didn't get enough about the Joy Luck Club itself, and all of these people supposedly friendly with one another could be incredibly petty and cruel to their "friends". Perhaps I'm just leading with my white American eye on that last part though--friendship looks different to different people.
That said, the weaving of the characters' stories did get muddy for me, I didn't get enough about the Joy Luck Club itself, and all of these people supposedly friendly with one another could be incredibly petty and cruel to their "friends". Perhaps I'm just leading with my white American eye on that last part though--friendship looks different to different people.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Infertility, Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual violence, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and War
nicolesreadingbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
studied it for school and omfg i loved it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and War
major_tom's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
It’s just amazing. The writing, the structure, the stories themselves - it is one of those books that perfectly illustrates the nature of mother/daughter relationship. But it also reflects so much on harsh challenges of immigration and cultural adaptation (focusing on Chinese immigration to America).
I am very happy to have stumbled upon this book, and I’ll make sure to check out other works of Amy Tan.
I am very happy to have stumbled upon this book, and I’ll make sure to check out other works of Amy Tan.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Colonisation