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So. I didn't enjoy this book, somehow. It wasn't bad. But it lacked... beauty, perhaps? The theme is so bleak, I think it was meant to be. The ending surprised me, but it brought no joy, only a bitterness that tainted the whole story. It may be that my expectations were too high for this book, that I am unfairly comparing it to Tan's other lovely works. After all, this is written as a children's book. Yet, I'm not sure I'd want my child to read it, nor that I would have liked to read it as a young girl. I wouldn't recommend picking this one up if you're looking for a charming picture book.
The art is what made the book worthwhile to me, especially the last few pages. Profound. If Tan could have used his words to enhance the beauty rather than the bitterness, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.
The art is what made the book worthwhile to me, especially the last few pages. Profound. If Tan could have used his words to enhance the beauty rather than the bitterness, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.