A review by kaitlyncookies
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-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

4.0

A beautiful book about mothers and daughters. Tan’s novel, which reads like a short story collection, sounded very similar in tone to Alice Munro’s work, so if you like Munro’s stories you will enjoy these as well. While the pace felt slower the second half of the novel, I still deeply enjoyed Tan’s prose. The stories are all captivating and heartbreaking, and all of the characters feel completely real. I wouldn’t exactly call it a fun read, but would be great if you’re in the mood for a reflective multigenerational story. It really made me reflect on the relationship I have with my parents.
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