The Hundred Secret Senses
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
406
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan centers on Olivia Laguni Bishop, a travel photographer, and her complex relationship with her half-sister Kwan Li, who believes she can see the dead. Despite Olivia's skepticism and cynicism, Kwan seeks to reunite Olivia with her estranged husband, Simon, and make her accept the reality of a spiritual world. Through a journey to Kwan's home in Changmian, China, Olivia slowly embraces Kwan's mystical beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her sister.
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
Contemplative
47,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amy Tan's The Hundred Secret Senses intertwines modern American life with Chinese ghost stories, showcasing rich cultural details and vivid characters. Readers praise its engaging narrative and emotional depth. However, some find the supernatural elements confusing and the plot occasionally slow. Overall, it captivates with its exploration of familial bonds and identity.
Readers who enjoy interwoven family sagas and explorations of cultural identity, as in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club or Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake, will cherish The Hundred Secret Senses. It appeals to those drawn to mystical elements and the complexities of sisterhood and heritage.
47,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
406
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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