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.
more
Great read!
Not at all what I expected. Lots of twists. Really interesting story. A very good read – heartbreaking but beautiful
Truly original. Unlike many other of her books. Definitely worth reading.
I loved this book!
excellent read, interesting time and author builds very real characters and the story line is wonderful. Love this author.
Too much vulgarity. Did not like it.
Amy Tan is an amazing author. However, this book is explicit about r lives of courtesans in the early 1900’s and may be more than you want to know.
One of her bests. She is a great author
Not one of Ms Tan’s best.
I love Amy Tan. Her books are so original and so wonderful to read. She has a way of exposing the Chinese soul that invests you in finding out what happens to each and every character. I learn so much and I enjoy each word she writes.
It’s a great read of Asian American characters.
This was a very easy read and interesting. The characters were simple yet tragic at times.
Enjoyed the story. Felt sad for the main characters in their bad times and happy when thing were going well. Found it a little confusing when it switched between characters/times but overall I’m glad I read it.
Can’t get the characters out of my head. Extremely well written.
I enjoyed this book. The only negative I have is that it abruptly shifts narratives from the daughter’s voice to the mother’s voice. I thought I was missing pages.
Realistic story of what happened in China years ago. Wonderful characters.
Deleted from my device after 30 pages. Could not get into it
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was informative and easy reading.
I love this author’s novels. There is a wonderful development of characters often steeped in Chinese tradition. I found I couldn’t put down this book – always wondering what would happen next.
excellent writing