A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The new novel from the internationally bestselling author of ‘The Joy Luck Club’.
In fin de siècle Shanghai, Violet Minturn grows up at Hidden Jade Path, the city’s most exclusive courtesan house. But when revolution comes, she is separated from her mother and forced to become a “virgin courtesan.” Both Chinese and American, Violet moves between these cultural … these cultural worlds, becoming a shrewd businesswoman who deals in seduction and illusion. But her successes belie her private turmoil. Violet’s need for answers propels her on a quest of discovery: a journey to make sense of her life, to right the wrongs of the past – to find love requited.
Spanning fifty years and two continents, ‘The Valley of Amazement’ dramatises the collapse of China’s imperial dynasty and the secret life of the courtesan house. Unfolding old family secrets, this novel returns readers to the compelling territory of ‘The Joy Luck Club’. With her characteristic wisdom, grace and humour, she conjures a story of the inheritance of love, its mysteries and betrayals, and its illusions and truths.
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I read this book several times and saw the movie twice! Amy Tan created a wonderful world peopled with realistic characters. The plot was interesting and hinges upon a trip to China to find Jing-mei’s sisters. There are sixteen interlinked and inter-woven stories which Tan handled beautifuly and for which this book in understandably now a …
Tan pulls out all the stops in this nearly 600-page three-generational epic tale that carries the reader to China the late 1800s to the 1930s in Shanghai. Set in the courtesan houses of the time, the novel tells the epic tale of an American woman, Lulu, her half Chinese daughter, Violet, and her one-quarter Chinese granddaughter, Flora, who …
I felt like I was there!
Great read from start to finish. I will definitely look for more Amy Tam books.
This is one of those books that has you commenting aloud as you read.
Two compelling stories of a mother and daughter and a deep glimpse into Chinese culture and the world of courtesans. But 4.5 stars is more accurate.
Reading this book feels like a walk through the history of Modern China and its struggle between old world traditions and explosive growth and modernization.
It’s the story of two women who’s fates …
Beautiful portrait of the painful realities women often confront
While many themes were touched upon in this latest work: loss, distance, cultural barriers, identity, abuse, war, freedom, love in all its forms, etc., the recurring and dominant theme is triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and in particular struggles which are …
I couldn’t finish this. Maybe it would have gotten better, but it just felt like so much filled. I loved The Joy Luck Club, but this doesn’t even compare.
Felt like porn.
One of my all time favorite authors of all things Asian
Amy Tan is a good writer and I learned a lot from this book, however, it was one tragedy after another and felt it was too much a downer.
Well you cant go wrong with Amy Tan. Once again she has managed to tell a story seamlessly weaving three generations of a family together. You really get a good feel for the characters and you can really visualize everything because she is so descriptive. That is what I enjoy most about her stories. You really get a scene of what life was like …
I like Amy Tans writing very much! I feel so much for her characters that I share laughter and tears with them as I imagine the what is written. I read all books by Amy Tan!
Tan’s characters are always finely drawn and her portrayal of complex relationships is noteworthy.
I’read most of Amy Tan’s books
Very long and disappointing read. Lots of details that make the story drag. Started skipping pages and only finished to find out what happened to the main characters.
I am a big fan of Amy Tan——not only are her characters interesting and very well developed—–but they also led me to research other countries and how they live—-and any book that leads you to research —–and encourages you to read more—is a great book
Very slow read
I loved it…. story was not predictable!
Really enjoyed the book.