Search - The Hundred Secret Senses

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.

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.

I'm almost embarassed to admit that I did not like this book as well as I loved bonesetters daughter and Joy luck club. I had a hard time getting into the story line of Kwan-li's past life and dream type world. I really did try and forced myself to read it till the end. I did enjoy the story regarding the sisters relationship though.

Somehow I missed this one when I initially devoured Amy Tan's work. It's great though, and maybe I should be glad that I prolonged the pleasure.

It reminded me a bit of Saving Fish from Drowning, which was actually written 10 years later, as both include ghosts and a bit of a magical realism feel.

What a wonderful book! Amy Tan has such a talent for taking you back into time, to other cultures. It actually feels like you are there and that you know the characters. There are such lessons to learn-from her modern day characters and her far back in time characters. One of those books where when you're done, you don't want to be done! You'll keep wishing you could go back and see what is going on with everyone you met in the book.

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.