justjoel's review against another edition
5.0
Just a coincidence that I read this during AAPI Heritage Month as every few months, I randomly select a batch of 5 books to read next.
This was my first Amy Tan novel, and I really enjoyed her storytelling. Is this real? Magical realism? Superstition?
Flawed characters whose lives are intertwined in multiple ways populate the novel, and though there weren't a lot of surprises, there really didn't have to be. This was about hope, and possibility, and loyalty.
Definitely a story that will stick with me a long while.
5 out of 5 stars.
This was my first Amy Tan novel, and I really enjoyed her storytelling. Is this real? Magical realism? Superstition?
Flawed characters whose lives are intertwined in multiple ways populate the novel, and though there weren't a lot of surprises, there really didn't have to be. This was about hope, and possibility, and loyalty.
Definitely a story that will stick with me a long while.
5 out of 5 stars.
winglady's review against another edition
5.0
Tan has another winner with a modern, Chinese-American woman and her very non-Western, Chinese half sister. Cultures and belief systems clash and blend, and the result is beautifully magical.
solaana's review against another edition
4.0
I'm pretty much Amy Tan's bitch, since she's the reason I got a 5 on my AP English exam because of her and Auntie Lindo.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
20 years later, I finally re-read this gem. I honestly remembered nothing, but I found the story deep and enchanting. The characters, Olivia and Kwan, are interested and flawed and wonderful. This is not plot driven by any means, but it is beautifully done.
opheliabedilia's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book at least ten years ago, and originally gave it a five star rating based on remembering absolutely loving it. I just read it again, and have downgraded it to four stars. Maybe it was just that point in my life, or maybe I've read so many great books since that I see that this one no longer deserves the rating I reserve for my very favorites.
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
SO GOOD!!!
1. Made me miss China like crazy. The descriptions of typical Chinese scenes and even better, Chinese logic, are perfect.
2. Great story about love, loyalty, and how to find hope when you have lost someone that you love.
3. Magic realism that I actually enjoyed.
1. Made me miss China like crazy. The descriptions of typical Chinese scenes and even better, Chinese logic, are perfect.
2. Great story about love, loyalty, and how to find hope when you have lost someone that you love.
3. Magic realism that I actually enjoyed.
nyctose's review against another edition
4.0
I love Amy Tan's writing. It's so simple and direct, warm and sweet. It captures the truth effortlessly.
This book is for you if you ever thought that life could be more than just the Big Bang Theory and evolution...The Hundred Secret Senses isn't sci-fi, no, it's more like a story that tells you to hope and enjoy life. I found the novel tiring at first, yes, and nothing seemed to be happening except the female protagonist declaring her hatred for her half-sister, but slowly, the story blossomed from a bud into a flower. When the final revelation was made, I knew what was going to happen moments before, and I was shocked, because the whole seemingly meaningless stories finally made sense.
I liked the ending, and now that I look at the book from hindsight, somehow the ending makes up for the weird middle part of the book.
Regardless, if you want to read a book that tells you to hope despite the way life sometimes is ironic, you will find great solace in The Hundred Secret Senses.
This book is for you if you ever thought that life could be more than just the Big Bang Theory and evolution...The Hundred Secret Senses isn't sci-fi, no, it's more like a story that tells you to hope and enjoy life. I found the novel tiring at first, yes, and nothing seemed to be happening except the female protagonist declaring her hatred for her half-sister, but slowly, the story blossomed from a bud into a flower. When the final revelation was made, I knew what was going to happen moments before, and I was shocked, because the whole seemingly meaningless stories finally made sense.
I liked the ending, and now that I look at the book from hindsight, somehow the ending makes up for the weird middle part of the book.
Regardless, if you want to read a book that tells you to hope despite the way life sometimes is ironic, you will find great solace in The Hundred Secret Senses.
sungold's review against another edition
5.0
About fifty pages from the end of the book, I was emotionally preparing for a dreadful ending that I thought the build-up was leading to. What I did not realize is that, one, the tragedy in the end is not one I could have anticipated and, two, that the tragedy would at once be wrenching and...calming?
What an interesting line this book walks between such distinct cultures. Would highly recommend to everyone.
What an interesting line this book walks between such distinct cultures. Would highly recommend to everyone.