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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Always love Amy Tan – her descriptive style paints a rich and deeply depailed picture for the reader. I enjoyed the well-developed characters and eagerly awaited the progress of their stories…she does not often have a “tidy” wrapped-up ending, but it feels plausible – this book stayed with me for many days!
barely started book, difficult to read for long periods, I lose interest and its very slow story
Very sad. Cultural lots to learn
I highly recommend this book. It is well written and the characters will grab your heart.
This book provides a narrative of life in the early 1900’s in China and growing up in a courtesan house. While at times a bit wordy, it shows a different culture and way of life.
Not the best read. I did not finish reading it. Treatment of women demeaning
Honestly I wanted to write a review before I even finished. It was an amazing story and that I would love to see a sequel from it! I don’t usually take the time to write a review but I felt compelled to do so with this book. I laughed, I cried and the writing was so good that it put me right in the middle of the story. Thank you for taking me away …
I found the characters interesting and the way things are done in China so different it fascinated me.
No where near the caliber of her other books
A bit of a slow start with this one. However, once the plot picks up, it is easy to become invested in the characters.
Interesting for in depth look at world of courtesans in early 20th century Shanghai but almost too much information & detail- tending toward training manual rather than story of people, place & time.
I was very disappointed she could have cut 400 pages by not going into all the sex I thought I was stuck reading fifty shades of red the Chinese version. I have read all of Miss Tan’s books I have enjoyed them because they have so much Chinese folk lore and history
This was a great read!
Excellent. Amy Tan writes one good one after another. Have read all of her books and each one has me not wanting to put the book down. Great writer, great book.
Was expecting more from Amy Tan.
A real disappointment; Amy Tan can do better. Way too much pornographic description; very dark.
Another wonderful book by Amy Tan. It is so interesting to read about another world, and I don’t just mean another place, and another time. The main character’s life is difficult and inspiring. Amy Tan’s writing is so beautifully descriptive that it makes you feel like you can see it and feel it. I highly recommend. Some say it was too much …
This book was way too long. I’ve read other Amy Tan books and was disappointed with this one.
Amy Tan is an amazing story teller. This book is so wonderful. I love how the mothers and daughters tell their stories and think they’re so different…
Not up to her usual standard