The Hundred Secret Senses

by Amy Tan
The Hundred Secret Senses cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Magical Realism
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10719
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • ISBN: 9780007385690
  • Publisher: Putnam Adult
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 1962, Olivia and her half-sister Kwan, both Chinese American, share their memories and feelings in a story that transcends time and reality. Olivia, a practical woman, struggles to understand Kwan's belief in the supernatural and her stories of a past life in China. As their relationship unfolds, the sisters uncover the secrets of their family's history, blending the mundane with the mystical. The novel explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the power of storytelling, all while challenging the boundaries of reality and imagination. The Hundred Secret Senses is a rich tapestry of family dynamics and cultural exploration, set against the backdrop of 1960s America. The narrative weaves together the sisters' present-day interactions with Kwan's vivid recollections of her past life, creating a compelling and thought-provoking journey. The book is celebrated for its unique blend of magical realism and historical fiction, offering readers a profound and engaging reading experience.

Reviews
Elliott Dunstan · 2019-06-18
educational 3.50

The reviewer liked the historical aspects of the book, which they found educational and intriguing. Overall, they enjoyed the book, but the historical elements were the most compelling.

The reviewer appreciated the historical aspects of the book, which they found both educational and intriguing. These elements added depth to the story and made it more engaging. While the reviewer liked the book overall, the historical aspects were particularly compelling and stood out as the most memorable parts of the narrative. The book's exploration of history enriches the story and provides a unique perspective, making it a rewarding read for those interested in historical fiction. The reviewer found the blend of personal and historical elements to be particularly effective, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I liked The Hundred Secret Senses, but I primarily liked its historical aspects.

    Like with Tan's other novels, I learned about history through the story.

    The historical elements added depth to the story and made it more engaging.

Fictitious Erika · 2015-08-10
nostalgic 4.20

The novel felt nostalgic and beautiful, as if the reader had lived through the story. The writing is nostalgic and evocative.

The Hundred Secret Senses was a nice walk back through Amy Tan's words, a novel that felt nostalgic and beautiful as if I had read it and lived through the experiences described. The writing is evocative and nostalgic, drawing the reader into the story and making it a memorable experience. The characters are well-developed, and the themes are rich, adding depth to the narrative. The blend of history and fiction is seamless, making it both educational and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    The Hundred Secret Senses was a nice walk back through Amy Tan's words.

    A novel that felt nostalgic and beautiful as if I had read it and lived through the experiences described.

    The writing is evocative and nostalgic, drawing the reader into the story.

Always With a Book · 2011-06-23
enjoyable 4.00

This is the first Amy Tan book the reviewer has read, and they found it captivating despite its slow pace. The story is compelling and engaging, making it a memorable read.

If you're new to Amy Tan's work, this book is a great introduction. The reviewer found it to be a compelling story that captivates the reader, even though it's not a fast read. The narrative is engaging and the characters are memorable, making it a standout book. The reviewer enjoyed the depth and complexity of the story, which adds layers of meaning and makes it a rewarding read. The slow pace allows for a rich exploration of the themes and characters, making it a book that stays with you long after you've finished it.

Quick quotes

    This is the first Amy Tan book I've read and I really enjoyed it.

    While not a fast read, it is a compelling story that captivates.

    The characters are memorable and the narrative is engaging.

Miss Print · 2008-08-27
engaging 4.50

The prose is conversational and enticing, making it feel like a friend sharing a juicy story. The reviewer found the book to be nostalgic and beautiful, evoking a sense of familiarity.

The reviewer loved the conversational and enticing prose, which made the book feel like a friend telling a particularly juicy story. This style adds a personal touch to the narrative, making it more engaging and relatable. The book's nostalgic and beautiful qualities evoke a sense of familiarity, making it a comforting and enjoyable read. The reviewer appreciated the rich and evocative language, which enhances the overall reading experience and makes the story feel more vivid and immersive.

Quick quotes

    Tan's prose here is conversational and enticing, feeling like a friend telling a particularly juicy story at dinner or over the phone.

    The book felt nostalgic and beautiful as if I had read it and lived it before.

    The rich and evocative language enhances the overall reading experience.

Appears in Lists