Patricia S. (patsto) reviewed on + 33 more book reviews
5 stars - Olivia, the narrator of this story, was born to an American mother and a Chinese
father. She meets her 18-year-old Chinese half sister, Kwan, for the first time shortly
after their father's death. Kwan adores "Libby-ah" and tries to introduce her to her Chinese
heritage through stories and memories. Olivia is embarrassed by her sibling, but finds as
she matures that she has inadvertently absorbed much about Chinese superstitions, spirits,
and reincarnation. Olivia explains, "My sister Kwan believes she has Yin eyes. She sees
those who have died and now dwell in the World of Yin..." Now in her mid-30s, Olivia, a
photographer, is still seeking a meaningful life. The climax of the story comes when she and
her estranged husband Simeon, a writer, go to China on assignment with Kwan as the
interpreter. In the village in which she grew up, Kwan returns to the world of Yin, her
mission completed. Olivia finally learns what Kwan was trying to show her: "If people we
love die, then they are lost only to our ordinary senses. If we remember, we can find them
anytime with our hundred secret senses." This story is different from Tan's previous novels
because of the supernatural twist.
father. She meets her 18-year-old Chinese half sister, Kwan, for the first time shortly
after their father's death. Kwan adores "Libby-ah" and tries to introduce her to her Chinese
heritage through stories and memories. Olivia is embarrassed by her sibling, but finds as
she matures that she has inadvertently absorbed much about Chinese superstitions, spirits,
and reincarnation. Olivia explains, "My sister Kwan believes she has Yin eyes. She sees
those who have died and now dwell in the World of Yin..." Now in her mid-30s, Olivia, a
photographer, is still seeking a meaningful life. The climax of the story comes when she and
her estranged husband Simeon, a writer, go to China on assignment with Kwan as the
interpreter. In the village in which she grew up, Kwan returns to the world of Yin, her
mission completed. Olivia finally learns what Kwan was trying to show her: "If people we
love die, then they are lost only to our ordinary senses. If we remember, we can find them
anytime with our hundred secret senses." This story is different from Tan's previous novels
because of the supernatural twist.
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