Reviews

Rules for Virgins by Amy Tan

cassiefleurs's review

5.0

No podía parar de leer, la intriga y lo astuta que es la consejera en manejar los negocios me dejo sin palabras.

Cada linea te deja esperqndo la siguiente y las pequeñas anécdotas entre consejos son tan vívidas como para ameritar sus propios libros.

ambersnowpants's review

5.0

A nice treat from Amy Tan. Love her books and this little story of a Courtesan's advice to a virgin does not disappoint.

lisaarnsdorf's review

3.0

This book reminded me of the Screwtape Letters - in style and structure only, definitely not in content! An older, successful courtesan shares her tips and strategies with a brand new virgin courtesan. It was pretty scandalous and shocking at times, but definitely fun. And the length was perfect. Very different from other Tan novels, but a lot of fun!

notsosporty's review

4.0

I really enjoyed especially since I've just started The Valley of Amazement. Since it takes place about where I took a break it all came together.

valhecka's review

4.0

Interesting tiny novella.

snoopy_daffodil's review

emotional reflective slow-paced

3.5

miametro's review

3.0

A smuttier, condensed version of Memoirs of a Geisha, essentially.

serenaac's review

3.0

Rules for Virgins by Amy Tan is a short story in which a virgin courtesan is being told the ins and outs of the profession. Set in 1912 Shanghai, Magic Gourd is explaining the ways in which courtesans gain favor with the wealthiest of men. Violet, a young woman whose mother owned a similar house of women, is being tutored in the ways of beguiling and pampering not only the men they want to attract, but the other women in the house so that competition does not become deadly.

Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2013/03/short-story-friday-rules-for-virgins-by-amy-tan.html

em_beddedinbooks's review

1.0

I love Amy Tan books and this one is an exception. Started with it bravely, discounting the title, and halfway through realised that titles do matter. The whole book is an advice to an aspiring concubine regarding the rules to survive and excel in her trade. It is not sensationally vulgar, but offended my proprietary senses by considering women as second class citizens. I know it was the norm in olden days, especially in Asia, still I felt outraged and gave up on the book as a form of silent protest.

shays's review

3.0

Although the title would imply that this short story is about a virgin courtesan, it is Magic Gourd, whose time has already passed, who we come to know as she tries to distill a lifetime of knowledge and experience into a strategy guide for success, seduction, and independence. read more