A mother and daughter find what they share in their bones in this compelling novel from the bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club and Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir.Ruth Young and her widowed mother have always had a difficult relationship. But when she discovers writings that vividly describe her mother’s tumultuous life growing up in China, Ruth discovers a side of LuLing that she … discovers a side of LuLing that she never knew existed.
Transported to a backwoods village known as Immortal Heart, Ruth learns of secrets passed along by a mute nursemaid, Precious Auntie; of a cave where dragon bones are mined; of the crumbling ravine known as the End of the World; and of the curse that LuLing believes she released through betrayal. Within the calligraphied pages awaits the truth about a mother’s heart, secrets she cannot tell her daughter, yet hopes she will never forget…
Conjuring the pain of broken dreams and the power of myths, The Bonesetter’s Daughter is an excavation of the human spirit: the past, its deepest wounds, its most profound hopes.
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This was my first Amy Tan book, but probably not my last. It seemed a little slow at the first but began to pick up speed once we really met Ruth’s mother. The time shifts between present, Mother’s, & the Bonesetter’s Daughter’s times, were a bit confusing, but worth the story if you stick with it. The relationship between Ruth & her boyfriend is almost extraneous to the main story, but the rest of the women’s relationships is fantastic!
Truly memorable. Read this year’s ago in hardbinding and ordered it to re-read on Kindle. Of the Amy Tan books I have read (many), this draws me into it more smoothly. I felt a closeness to the characters, was never lost in the scene changes because they were so skillfully transitioned, and it came to a satisfying conclusion. I believe I was more able to care strongly about these characters than for those in her other works.
Great story
Most insightful to an era little is known about.
I always love reading Amy Tan’s books. She takes me places I can only imagine. She teaches me about another culture. Her characters are always so realistic and strong. They face adversity with grace and dignity even when doubting themselves.
The bonessetters daughter was a book I couid not put down . I enjoy reading about the old Chinese culture . I have read many of her books and never have been unhappy with them.
Very enjoyable , informitive, and interesting. I would recommend this book.
This was a wonderful wonderful look at China of years ago. I learned so much. The characters are so realistic. I learned a lot about the Old style of Chinese writing and inks. And about bone setting. So interesting. I could hardly put it down.
Great story!
Like all of her books, an absorbing story, and amazing characters.
I’ve read most of Amy Tan’s books, this one 3 times. It’s very moving and realistic…and I can’t wait to start it again!
An amazing story with unforgettable characters. Amy Tan has created a story line that carries the reader through many generations, cultures, countries and religions. A book to get lost in.
All her books are well written, and informative
Really like this book. It looked a different culture than American!
Amy Tan’s BEST book.