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fatvalkilmer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
indigolenom's review against another edition
4.0
Un libro hermoso pero no tenía porque ser tan largo la verdad
carlsnan's review against another edition
It was just too slow for me. The descriptions went on for too long and I couldn’t get past that.
novelette's review against another edition
2.0
This book seemed endless. And yet, after all that time, I still couldn't find compassion for a single female character.
gkaltam's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
slow-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion
annabelws23's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
dawndiscusses's review against another edition
5.0
I can only find words of praise for this book. If you're familiar with the genre, this book doesn't stray too far from familiar courtesan tropes, especially in the build-up phase but it's Tan's writing, and in particular her characterization, that makes the difference. The characters are engaging, reflective, evocative and bound to make you experience every heartbreak and triumph as you follow them on their journey.
I will say some of the passages were long-winded, and the pacing picked up in a way that was to be expected but still felt strange in contrast to the rest of the book near the end. I did find those bits slightly annoying whilst reading and could probably justify 4 star (on the basis of this being 4.5 star book) rating, but the beauty and the impact of Tan's writing, both in those really mesmerizing verses and now as I'm writing this review, just feels worthy of that 5 star rating. The attention to detail, the level of research that went into this book, the hypnotising power of her prose. Those grievances feel minor when weighted against my overall enjoyment of this book.
There is a lot more that can be said (and that has been said in some of the other reviews) so I'll try to keep it brief. If you're at all inclined to this genre or your interest is piqued by the blurb, Amy Tan's writing is as sure to captivate (and perhaps at times absolutely shatter) you entirely. I recommend this book if you're looking to run the gamut of emotions and be seduced by the enchantment of a genuinely interesting, reflective (although at times wordy), heartfelt story.
I will say some of the passages were long-winded, and the pacing picked up in a way that was to be expected but still felt strange in contrast to the rest of the book near the end. I did find those bits slightly annoying whilst reading and could probably justify 4 star (on the basis of this being 4.5 star book) rating, but the beauty and the impact of Tan's writing, both in those really mesmerizing verses and now as I'm writing this review, just feels worthy of that 5 star rating. The attention to detail, the level of research that went into this book, the hypnotising power of her prose. Those grievances feel minor when weighted against my overall enjoyment of this book.
There is a lot more that can be said (and that has been said in some of the other reviews) so I'll try to keep it brief. If you're at all inclined to this genre or your interest is piqued by the blurb, Amy Tan's writing is as sure to captivate (and perhaps at times absolutely shatter) you entirely. I recommend this book if you're looking to run the gamut of emotions and be seduced by the enchantment of a genuinely interesting, reflective (although at times wordy), heartfelt story.
lizawall's review against another edition
Completely bonkers, basically perfect travel book. Super suspenseful, kept me up late nights.
gabmc's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been on my "Want To Read" shelf at GoodReads for almost seven years and I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. It's a beautifully told story that explores several mother/daughter relationships and is also a fascinating history (should really be 'herstory') of China.
The book opens with Violet, at around four years old, saying that she knows she is American. She lives with her mother, Lulu, in a first class courtesan house in the international settlement of Shanghai. This courtesan house is owned by her mother and her business partner and Violet grows up being the spoiled and precocious pet of the courtesans. Violet can speak Chinese and only finds out a few years later that her father is Chinese. Violet and Lulu have a troubled relationship which is cut short when they are unexpectedly separated when Violet is 14. Violet goes on to have a daughter of her own, Flora- and this relationship is also cut short.
I enjoyed learning more about the international settlement in Shanghai and the struggles faced by women in China in this period.
The book opens with Violet, at around four years old, saying that she knows she is American. She lives with her mother, Lulu, in a first class courtesan house in the international settlement of Shanghai. This courtesan house is owned by her mother and her business partner and Violet grows up being the spoiled and precocious pet of the courtesans. Violet can speak Chinese and only finds out a few years later that her father is Chinese. Violet and Lulu have a troubled relationship which is cut short when they are unexpectedly separated when Violet is 14. Violet goes on to have a daughter of her own, Flora- and this relationship is also cut short.
I enjoyed learning more about the international settlement in Shanghai and the struggles faced by women in China in this period.