The average user rating for this Book is 5.7 out of 10 (based on 25 Votes).
Karen C gave it a5: Amy Tan is one of my favorite authors, but this book is taking me forever to read. There are just too many characters, and most of them are too uninteresting to care about.
[Anonymous] gave it a9: May be my favorite Amy Tan book yet. Thank you Amy!
Debby S gave it a5: I think the situation of the refugees in Burma is tragic. I am afraid that Amy Tan's book exploits that tragedy for its drama. I think she should dedicate a portion of proceeds from sales of the book to the international refugee organizations. No one wants to be moved off of their homeland, live in camps, or be abused, imprisoned, or tortured, and denied democracy. The indigenous people of Burma have a right to self determination. I want Amy Tan to take a stand now that she has shown a light on the Burmese people. Otherwise, what is the point. I believe the totalitarian regime, the military junta that governs Myanmar, does not have the best interests of all its citizens at heart. Citizens of Burma are suffering. It is not acceptable.
Kate O gave it an8: A great read and a useful way to depict the troubles of the Burmese.
Elise G gave it a5: Really liked the beginning and the end, but the 300 or so pages in the middle of the book failed to truly engage me. If it wasn't my bookclub's assignment I might have given up on it. I was more concerned with how the author was going to whittle her way out the story than I was about the characters in the book.
t t gave it a0: it was a horrible book and i'll never read any tan again...it had no story line no plot and no captivating ending
karen j gave it a3: I've loved all the amy tan books except this one. I pushed myself to read the first half, hoping it would redeem itself. It didn't. I put it down and don't think i will pick it up again. An author with a less accomplished reputation would never have gotten this book published.
Rebecca D gave it a9: Do you travel in Asia? If you have, then you will find this book bringing back memories, both good and bad. I look forward to checking on the characters. Amy Tan is a great writer.
Francco S gave it a9: I just finished it-thought she did a great job getting into the characters. I was particulalry struck by how entertainingly she dealt with the nature of tourism and guilt,with haves and have-nots, free vs subjugated, among other things. I think the critics are spouting a bunch of hooey on this one!
[Anonymous] gave it a9: Just as superb as her other writings, but in a very different way. Characters (wonderfully depicted) start out as relative strangers, but subtly change into a family. Cultural info on Burma (Mayanmar) and Buddhism is invaluable to anyone interested in reaching beyond the scope of everyday USA. Love this book!
agnes h gave it a3: Not her best book, actually far from that.
Bob K gave it a7: Very good to excellent in the anecdotal aspects. Story structure still a developing aspect. Tan's best work clearly lies ahead.
Diane gave it a1: Worst book that I have read from Amy Tan. Made the error of asking it to be given to me as a Christmas present. Waste of money and time. I usually love her books. Pity that she went wrong with that one! Where was her editor???
Pat gave it an8: Excellent book. I particularly appreciated her sense of humor.
Renee W gave it a10: This book was the best Amy Tan I've read. Most of her books are good, but not necessarily surprising or enchanting. This book has intriguing characters--quirky and mostly fully-fleshed--a captivating plotline, and the mystery of what happened to all the characters led me on. When I read, I like to immerse myself in the story, in the characters' lives; I want to care about what happens next. I teach AP English Literature and am constantly on the lookout for new novels to add to my independent reading list. Criteria for the novels is that they are quality literature and complex enough for a multitude of writing topics. This book certainly fulfills my criteria. As an aside, I'm surprised at the lack of enthusiasm for this book.
Tina K gave it a2: This is one of the worst books I have ever read. I am so disapointed in the author.
Jamie M gave it a7: I thought it was very intriguing. I've been to China and this doesn't seem that far-fetched. (we're talking about ghosts here, so who cares anyway?)
Melody M gave it a2: I admire Amy Tan and most of her work. I think her editors and supporters have let her down on this one. It lacks subtlety. The characters are broadly drawn; humor is nearly slapstick; literary devices are clumsy (alliteration, foreshadowing, etc). I will be first in line to buy her next book.
Helen gave it a6: Difficult to follow through all the vivid descriptions of life in China and Burma. Makes me wonder why people would dare to get involved in being led on a mysterious trip which endangers their lives. Tan has a knack for telling a great story, but I could harly wait for it to end. Too long, too unbelievable, but maybe their is a life out there which is beyond our comprehension. Good writing---story rather farfetched.
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