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lindsaystenico8821's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
fatvalkilmer's review
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
carlsnan's review
It was just too slow for me. The descriptions went on for too long and I couldn’t get past that.
novelette's review
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
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
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
Completely bonkers, basically perfect travel book. Super suspenseful, kept me up late nights.