Literature: The Hundred Secret Senses
Over this past weekend, I finished reading The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan. I've read a couple books by this author, and some are more successful than others. This one wasn't as good as some of her other novels, but it was a nice read.
This story is about two half-sisters. Olivia is half Chinese, born and raised in America. Kwan is from a small village in China, brought over after their father died. When they first meet, Olivia is about 6 years old and Kwan is 18. The story tracks their very different lives and personalities, mainly following Olivia's point of view except when Kwan tells about the World of Yin (which is where spirits of the departed reside). Kwan is able to see the Yin people and learn of their stories.
Honestly... Olivia bothered me. She seems so spoiled and negative. At times, it was hard to continue reading. But once Kwan talks Olivia to go to China with her (along with Simon, who Olivia was divorcing but who was also her business partner), the story takes a turn. Olivia starts to see things from a different perspective. The story becomes a bit bittersweet, ending on that natural note.
Would I recommend this novel? Perhaps, but I can't think of anyone I would suggest it to. Would I read it again? Probably not. I actually plan to return it to the office book area soon (unless my mother is interested in it). Would I call it a favorite? No, but I did enjoy reading it, if for no other reason that because Kwan was an interesting upbeat character.
This story is about two half-sisters. Olivia is half Chinese, born and raised in America. Kwan is from a small village in China, brought over after their father died. When they first meet, Olivia is about 6 years old and Kwan is 18. The story tracks their very different lives and personalities, mainly following Olivia's point of view except when Kwan tells about the World of Yin (which is where spirits of the departed reside). Kwan is able to see the Yin people and learn of their stories.
Honestly... Olivia bothered me. She seems so spoiled and negative. At times, it was hard to continue reading. But once Kwan talks Olivia to go to China with her (along with Simon, who Olivia was divorcing but who was also her business partner), the story takes a turn. Olivia starts to see things from a different perspective. The story becomes a bit bittersweet, ending on that natural note.
Would I recommend this novel? Perhaps, but I can't think of anyone I would suggest it to. Would I read it again? Probably not. I actually plan to return it to the office book area soon (unless my mother is interested in it). Would I call it a favorite? No, but I did enjoy reading it, if for no other reason that because Kwan was an interesting upbeat character.