A provocative novel from the bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter’s Daughter. On an ill-fated art expedition into the southern Shan state of Burma, eleven Americans leave their Floating Island Resort for a Christmas-morning tour and disappear. Through twists of fate, curses, and just plain human error, they find themselves deep in the jungle, where they encounter a tribe … where they encounter a tribe awaiting the return of the leader and the mythical book of wisdom that will protect them from the ravages and destruction of the Myanmar military regime.
Saving Fish from Drowning seduces the reader with a fagade of Buddhist illusions, magician’s tricks, and light comedy, even as the absurd and picaresque spiral into a gripping morality tale about the consequences of intentions—both good and bad—and about the shared responsibility that individuals must accept for the actions of others.
A pious man explained to his followers: “It is evil to take lives and noble to save them. Each day I pledge to save a hundred lives. I drop my net in the lake and scoop out a hundred fishes. I place the fishes on the bank, where they flop and twirl. ‘Don’t be scared,’ I tell those fishes. ‘I am saving you from drowning.’ Soon enough, the fishes grow calm and lie still. Yet, sad to say, I am always too late. The fishes expire. And because it is evil to waste anything, I take those dead fishes to market and I sell them for a good price. With the money I receive, I buy more nets so I can save more fishes.”
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Great read! Anything by Amy Tan is worth reading!
Usually love Amy Tan, just couldn’t get into this one
A real original, humor, fright, politics, adventure and magic all surrounding a wonderful cast of characters. New surprises around each page flip. Great look into Mayanmar at it’s beginning and old Burma at it’s end.
Took a bit of getting into, but eventually picked up the pace and painted a vivid picture of the time and place.
This is the first book that I read by Amy Tan and it turned me into one of her biggest fans. After reading this, I followed with the Joy Luck Club and all her other novels which had been published at that point (and her memoir). I was never disappointed.
Not her usual style. I think it was a political statement about governments in our world/ They do something to punish one person and try to convince the world that it was for that peopson;s own good.
loved all the characters
Interesting concept. Found story lame.
Funky. A bit contrived and superficial at times but remains entertaining and a page turner like any Amy Tan novel. Good to read on a plane.
I love Amy Tan but I found this book a little tedious as none of the characters were very likable
I enjoyed the descriptions of Burma, some of its traditions and customs and also its history.. The story dragged a bit for my taste, but I felt the characters were believable.
I have always loved Amy Tan books but this one was very disappointing. I struggled to finish it. It was difficult to connect with the characters and the flow was choppy. It didn’t make sense to me.
The premise is a little strange, but the writing is beautifully done. I especially liked the descriptions of the countryside, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has it’s political problems, fascinating characters, but kind of a weird story line.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was slow getting started and I almost gave up but finally it took off and I have really enjoyed it. It had me in absolute stitches, really funny/.more than I ever expected.
Hilarious!
Did not like this book.
Amy Tan’s characters are flawed like real people. I like that.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Full of adventure and wonderful characters.
I love Amy Tan’s books, but this was not her best. Still a worthwhile read.