The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Hundred Secret Senses
Book Review: The Hundred Secret Senses
Summary: 4 Stars
The Hundred Secret Senses, by Amy Tan, is about a woman named Olivia and her life journey with her half sister, Kwan. Kwan is a strange lady, mainly because of her "yin eyes." Kwan claims that she can see spirits & ghosts and believes everything that occurs is the cause of your previous life.
In the beginning, the novel was very difficult to follow. At first, going back and forth from Kwan's previous life to her current was very confusing. Also the switch off between Olivia's and Kwan's narration was unclear, but overall, the storyline was captivating. I most enjoyed how everything was tied together from the past lifetime.
I have read many short stories by Amy Tan, but this was my first novel. After reading The Hundred Secret Senses, I have gained more respect for her as a writer. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would be intrested in a novel that they can curl up with by a fire on a rainy day.
Book Review: Irritated by Libby-ah
Summary: 3 Stars
I really enjoyed Joy Luck Club and the Bonesetter's Daughter (this one is HIGHLY recommended) but was quite disappointed with the Hundred Secret Senses; firstly because the narrator, Olivia, is so extremely self-centred and hateful, both toward her half-sister and her husband. If I were Simon I would not have lasted as long with her as he did. She seems oblivious to the needs and desires and good intentions of others, and her culture shock upon visiting China is a sad reflection on many Western visitors. Perhaps she is just too realistic! But she is the sort of character that I have little patience with if I met someone like her and so could not identify with her at all.
Secondly because I found it difficult to reconcile what was going on in the book with my own understanding of the world. The book ends with the confirmation that in fact all the characters did have past lives. This may be a belief for many people in the world but for me it's a bit like reading a book where Santa Claus, in the end, actually turns out to be real.
It left me with a feeling of disappointment, not at all as I felt from the other books I've read by Amy Tan. She is a gifted writer, that is certain, and the descriptions of China are memorable. But it did not compare to the Bonesetter's Daughter, which is in a completely other league.
Book Review: The Hundred Secret Senses
Summary: 5 Stars
This heartwarming story is told through the eyes of Olivia, a typical American who talks about the Chinese culture and the uniqueness of her family. Olivia tells the story of her life, from when she was a young girl with her Chinese half-sister, Kwan, who has "yin-eyes" and can see the dead to the present, with the troubles of her marriage, stemming from her inability to hold back her anger. Her jealousy to Simon's late ex-girlfriend is apparent after she finds out that Simon is in love with her - as well as still in love with the late Elsa. Olivia's character is one that many can understand, for all the unfortunate events in one's life are always "someone else's fault but mine". Her tendency to push the blame onto someone else and sometimes act cruelly shows the insecurities that many face, as Tan appeals to the reader's emotions and feelings. In a last effort to repair their relationship together Olivia, Simon, and Kwan journey to China, where together they experience the power of laughter and the strength of anger. Readers experience joy and laughter and the pain and struggles and learn to cherish what is often taken for granted and learn to appreciate family. Book Review: Yin World
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed Joy Luck Club very much and decided to read this one since the good reviews it has. It started well, with funny statements and awkward moments between the sisters.
It would have been nice to if there was a bit more dimension for Olivia. I did symphatize with Kwan but I could not help hating Olivia, who, unfortunately, was the narrator of the story. Her so self-centered ego was understandable but her attitude towards Kwan was more than I could bear. She acted like a little kid till almost the end.
Perhaps that was what Ms. Tan had intended but I just didn't enjoy it as much as JLC. Although I liked Kwan's vision of Yin world and her way of speaking, I hated Olivia and didn't care what she thought or did. Perhaps it's just because the book is too long for Olivia's narrow point of view.
Book Review: WOW!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is so magical... so wonderful that I couldn't put it down (sorry professors). The book was written so well that I could smell the food every time they were eating... (or maybe it was my Chinese take-out that I was drawn to buy while reading this book).
Excellent Book! I highly recommend it! Also the audio book makes it even more real!!