Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Violet was raised in a courtesan house in Shanghai run by her American mother Lulu. Lulu was not only the madam of one of the most exclusive courtesan house, but a rich and well connected business woman. As a daughter of a powerful American woman, Violet considered herself above courtesans and Chinese people. She later found out that her father was Chinese and she was only half American. That fact added to her self identity problems. When Violet was 14, Lulu decided to leave Shanghai to go home because of the political instability. Then, Lulu was tricked by her lover, and ended up leaving Violet behind. Violet was sold to another Courtesan house and forced to become a virgin courtesan. Violet experienced many heartaches, and eventually learned to live her life as well as possible. I have read every book (except for children's books) by Amy Tan. And she is one of my favorite authors. "The Valley of Amazement" would be my 4th favorite of hers after 1)The Hundred Secret Senses, 2)The Joy Luck Club, 3)The Bonesetter's Daughter: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle). These are the reasons why "The Valley of Amazement" is not my number one favorite; 1) I love Amy Tan's sense of humor. She can make you laugh while you are crying, but this novel didn't have it. 2) This novel reminded me of Memoirs of a Geisha: A Novel. Unconsciously, I was comparing them. Finding similarities and differences between Japanese courtesan house and Chinese one was interesting, but I don't think it's a good way to enjoy a new novel by such a talented author. 3) It's unnecessarily long. It could be shorter. 4) Too predictable. 5) Mother daughter relationship story of Lulu, Violet, and Flora didn't add very much to the story. It unnecessarily complicated the story. However, Amy Tan is still a great story teller, and there are many beautiful moments. It's much better than the last novel Saving Fish from Drowning. It's as good as The Kitchen God's Wife. Welcome back, Amy!