Valley of Amazement

Epic. Over forty years and two continents. The need for a mother’s love and what happens to a child when it is denied or stolen. Sexual commerce in early 20th century Shanghai. Friendship. Loyalty. Hard choices. Cruelty. Disillusionment. Forgiveness. We shouldn’t judge a person by what we see or what they do for a living. The reality could be far better or worse. Perhaps a bit too long with a few too many colorful detours and erotic details along the way. And some very lengthy passages of monologue or letters. But because it is Amy Tan, I stuck with it and was rewarded. Probably not my favorite of her books, but she’s still better than most.