utter randomonium

The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan: This is the third of Tan’s books I’ve read, and follows a similar pattern to the other two (Joy Luck Club, Kitchen God’s Wife): rebellious American daughter of misunderstood Chinese mother, culture clashes combined with generational differences, mother’s secret childhood in China eventually is revealed to daughter, understanding ensues. Luckily, Tan’s lyrical prose helps the formula remain fresh. The ending was unfortunately not as tight as it could have been; things were too tidy to be realistic, as if Tan were rushed to get the story out the door. I kind of think that if it were only the mother’s story it would have been good as it stands, without mentioning the daughter at all. But it was still a good read – up until the end.

Also posted on BookCrossing.