The Valley of Amazement

by Amy Tan
The Valley of Amazement cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £14.99
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  • ID: 10720
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780007467242
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-11-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Valley of Amazement is a richly detailed and evocative novel that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the cultural and historical forces that shape their lives. The story unfolds in Shanghai, a city of opulence and intrigue, where courtesans navigate a world of beauty and danger. The novel delves into themes of identity, love, and the search for belonging, offering a vivid portrait of a bygone era and the women who defied its constraints. /n/n Amy Tan, the internationally bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, brings her signature storytelling prowess to this epic tale. Her meticulous research and lyrical prose bring the world of early 20th-century Shanghai to life, immersing readers in a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The Valley of Amazement is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring bonds of family.

Reviews
Samanne Elizabeth's Blog · Samanne Elizabeth · 2019-02-26
moving 3.50

The emotional stories are well-deserved and impactful, with a particular emphasis on the character Magic Gourd's chapter.

Samanne Elizabeth highlights the emotional resonance of the stories within the book, particularly noting the impact of Magic Gourd's chapter. They find the emphasis on these emotional elements to be well-deserved and believe they add significant depth to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the way Tan crafts these emotional moments, making them feel authentic and powerful. Overall, they find the book to be a moving and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    These were very emotional stories and their emphasis and emotion were well deserved.

    Tan read Magic Gourd's chapter and it was a standout.

    The emotional moments feel authentic and powerful.

Dre Madrudge's Blog · 2014-01-29
powerful 4.00

The book does not offer an easy, happy ending, but the strong women characters remain resilient throughout.

The reviewer notes that The Valley of Amazement does not provide a conventional, happy ending, which adds to its realism and depth. They appreciate the resilience of the strong female characters, who remain steadfast despite the challenges they face. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of female strength and the complexities of their journeys. While the lack of a rosy conclusion might be disappointing to some, it is seen as a realistic and impactful choice.

Quick quotes

    There is no easy, happy ending to this book.

    The strong women remain adamantine, and because of this, the story is all the more powerful.

    The book is a powerful exploration of female strength and the complexities of their journeys.

The Guardian · 2013-11-09
engaging 3.50

The book is a brisk and dramatic read, despite its flaws, keeping readers engaged until the end. The story is rich with emotional depth and historical context.

The reviewer appreciates Amy Tan's ability to weave a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked. They highlight the emotional depth and historical context, which make the story rich and engaging. However, they also note that the book has its flaws, but these do not detract from the overall enjoyment. The reviewer finds the characters and their journeys to be particularly compelling, making it a worthwhile read despite its imperfections.

Quick quotes

    She is a brisk storyteller, and despite its flaws, The Valley of Amazement packs in enough drama to keep her readers going to the end.

    The story is rich with emotional depth and historical context.

    The characters and their journeys are particularly compelling.

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