Plot Summary

The Bonesetter's Daughter

Amy Tan
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The Bonesetter's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Amy Tan

The Bonesetter's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1990s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

800L

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Super Short Summary

The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan spans generations, focusing on Ruth in present-day California as she navigates her relationship troubles and her mother LuLing's dementia. Through LuLing's memoir, we learn about her life in China and her bond with her caregiver, Precious Auntie. Ruth's discovery of this family history helps her understand herself and her heritage, ultimately leading her to appreciate the importance of writing and remembrance. The novel addresses the Japanese occupation and civil war in China.

Emotional

Mysterious

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

134,084 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Amy Tan’s The Bonesetter's Daughter is lauded for its rich cultural tapestry and deep emotional resonance, exploring mother-daughter relationships and personal histories. Critics praise its vivid characterizations and poignant storytelling. However, some reviewers find the dual narrative structure somewhat disjointed and the pace slow in parts. Overall, it’s a compelling read that intricately weaves personal and historical narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bonesetter's Daughter?

Readers who enjoy multigenerational family sagas, explorations of Chinese-American identity, and themes of mother-daughter relationships will find The Bonesetter's Daughter captivating. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang would appreciate its poignant storytelling and rich cultural insights.

4.2

134,084 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1990s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

800L

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