The Valley of Amazement

by Amy Tan
The Valley of Amazement cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 10720
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • ISBN: 9780007467242
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-11-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Valley of Amazement is a richly detailed novel that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the cultural and historical forces that shape their lives. The story begins in Shanghai in the 1910s and follows the lives of two women, one a courtesan and the other her daughter, as they navigate the changing social and political landscape of China. The novel is notable for its vivid depictions of Shanghai's courtesan houses and the intricate social hierarchies that governed them. It also delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters, as they grapple with issues of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

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.

The New York Times · 2013-11-08
heart-wrenching 4.00

The Valley of Amazement is a heart-wrenching narrative that spans over four decades, moving from Shanghai to the Hudson River Valley, and explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.

The reviewer from The New York Times describes The Valley of Amazement as a long and emotionally intense narrative that covers a significant period and geographical span. The story delves into the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters, highlighting themes of betrayal and heritage. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the rich historical context. However, they also note that the book's length and complexity can be challenging, but the emotional payoff is significant. The strong female characters and their enduring struggles are particularly noted for their resilience and depth.

Quick quotes

    A long and ultimately heart-wrenching narrative that covers more than four decades and moves from Shanghai in the 1920s and '30s to the Hudson River Valley.

    The Valley of Amazement is the story of three women, bound by blood and betrayal.

    Three reasons why Amy Tan is one of my favorite writers: imagery, storytelling, and ghosts.

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