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The Hundred Secret Senses
The Hundred Secret Senses
Author: Amy Tan
The Hundred Secret Senses is an exultant novel about China and America, love and loyalty, the identities we invent and the true selves we discover along the way. Olivia Laguni is half-Chinese, but typically American in her uneasiness with her patchwork family. And no one in Olivia's family is more embarrassing to her than her half-sister, Kwan L...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780375701528
ISBN-10: 0375701524
Publication Date: 6/30/1998
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 153

4 stars, based on 153 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Leigh avatar reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Tan's customary, illustrious writing fills this book with vivid characters that jump to life from the beginning. A sister, Kwan, arrives to the family and changes the life of the protagonist, Olivia, in profound ways, connecting her to a culture-rich history.

I read this ten years ago, yet Kwan remains one of my favorite literary characters to this day, residing with Catherine and Heathcliff.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I was not at all captivated by this book, which is unusual for an Amy Tan book. I've read her other works and I was sadly disappointed with this one. I thought the main character was self absorbed and not at all likable. I didn't sympathize with her or her "true Love". It was a bit confusing jumping into past lives and back again. I kept reading thinking that it would get better, but the ending was horrible. Yes, the main character reaches some sort redemption, however only through her sister Kwans sacrifices. I didn't care for this book, although others did.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Amy Tan sensitively draws the two main characters in this book, with all their vulnerabilities and blind spots. The reader is pulled into Kwan's "Yin World" so convincingly that in many ways it seems more "real" than the "real" world of her sister, Olivia ("Libby-ah"). This book truly enchants, and the story resolves elegantly. Beautifully written, compelling storytelling.
Azulita avatar reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love the way Amy Tan weaves so many stories together. I found this book fascinating.
Silvercat avatar reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on
Helpful Score: 2
Although I really gave this book every chance I could, I found the lengthy descriptions distracting and realized I didn't really much care for the characters.
Read All 58 Book Reviews of "The Hundred Secret Senses"

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reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 628 more book reviews
Not my favorite Amy Tan book, that's still "Kitchen God's Wife", but interesting nonetheless in learning cross cultural beliefs. Tan always keeps the chracters interesting and, as usual, pokes fun at them.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 44 more book reviews
Very good book. Gives you a new perspective about certain aspects of life. The main character, Kwan would take you on a journey that will sometimes amaze you and others leave you confused. At the end you will realize all her stories have a lesson about life, about death, and what is really important for her, what you take in or learn from each of them.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 2 more book reviews
I was not a big fan of this book. I did not think that it was written very well and it was not an exciting read. Usually I pass books onto my mom when I am done with them but I am not going to waste her time with this one. It was not horrible but it was not great either.
minioda avatar reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on
The second book I've read by Tan and it did not let me down. It was a wonderful story about family ties and trials. It takes you back to the past and mystery and myths. I loved it.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 26 more book reviews
A wonderful combination of today and yesterday. Tan is a great storyteller.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 2 more book reviews
A modern story infused with folk tales.
reviewed The Hundred Secret Senses on + 6 more book reviews
A wonderfull, page turning read. I could hardly put it down. Very well told,and interesting novel.


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