I am a huge fan of Tan. Although this book was by no means her greatest, her previous work has set the bar rather high. The book is okay, it has interesting characters (perhaps too many, I found it difficult to keep track of who was who)and a unique plot. However, a word of warning, as far as I know, this book is nothing like anything else she has ever written, it is not the traditional Amy Tan novel, so if that is what you are looking for, you had better just reread the Kitchen God's wife or the Bonesetter's Daughter. I give her 4 stars for stepping out there, too many novelists stick with a basic plot and do not stray far from it, but not Amy Tan.

This quote is from the Newsweek review of this book, and I agree completely. I bought the book because of this review and other positive newspaper reviews. I'm glad I didn't read the negative Amazon reviews first. It did take me a while to get into the book but soon couldn't put it down. Another newspaper review said it was "packed with the human capacity for love," and I definitely agree with that quote. All the characters and the background stories that affect their actions keep the story moving. The ending, much like an epilogue, was perfect.

I am a fan of Amy Tan's, and would really encourage readers to check out her other work. This one just didn't do it for me. It started out seeming like it would be a really fun story, and about midway through I found myself totally confused as to where she was going with this. About 100 pages from the end, I cared less to less to know, and by the last 50 pages felt like it was torture to finish. I couldn't wait for it to end, and no longer cared how what happened, as long as I got to close the book for good. (You know now that I think about it, I skimmed the last 25 pages, it was that bad) Two stars for effort & reputation, not for entertainment.

Let me start by stating that I am a fan of Amy Tan's writing. While I found this book interesting and it did keep my attention; I did not feel it was as strong as most of her earlier work. The emotional conflict and depth of characterization is not there for this odd group of characters.

It is a good read but not a great one.

This book was a pageturner up until the farfetched and ridiculous ending. Amy Tan had a great story going...it's too bad she sold out for the typical Hollywood ending.