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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Interesting immersion in the Chinese culture of the WWII era. I related to this book with the mother entering dementia. Many of the descriptions ran so true to what I've been experiencing with my MIL. Right down to the subscriptions to magazines that no 80 year old would read, and the belief of winning a sweepstakes.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
sad
slow-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ough
Excellent multi-generational book. This is the first book of Amy Tan's I've read, and it won't be the last. So very well done.
Great writing as always from, Tan. Her voice is so distinct in capturing the ways that language shifts as intimacy shifts between characters. Tan’s exploration of the mother-daughter bond is emblematic of her writing, and so there are no surprises here. With The Bonesetter’s Daughter we’re taken into past generations of mothers who see themselves reborn in their daughters and daughters who see themselves come alive through the history of their lineage. One thing I love is Tan’s focus on language and naming- usually a patriarchal concept- but instead she strips the male power down and gives it back to women. Naming our mothers is a way to reclaim our languages and assert agency through story-telling. If you’re interested in any of the above, then you’ll love the piece!
Listened to this on CD in my car. Wonderful rendition. Sometimes the audio brings it to a whole different level of beauty, as in this case.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed Luling's perspective more than Ruth's section. I felt that adult Ruth ignored/was bothered by things that she had the power to change, whereas her mother had to overcome a lifetime of unfortunate circumstances as well as learn a new language. That said, ultimately Ruth did learn to see things from her mother's perspective and began to understand her mother a bit more.
I enjoyed Luling's perspective more than Ruth's section. I felt that adult Ruth ignored/was bothered by things that she had the power to change, whereas her mother had to overcome a lifetime of unfortunate circumstances as well as learn a new language. That said, ultimately Ruth did learn to see things from her mother's perspective and began to understand her mother a bit more.