The book started out strong, however it really seemed to drag on by the end. While the book seemed to be an exploration of misfortune, none of the characters actually seemed to grow, and oftentimes the actions that set the characters down the path of misery are so out-of-character. I ended up getting ~90% of the way through the book before it wore out its welcome.
This is the best book I've read in months. After being disappointed by several lacklustre novels by some of my favourite authors, Tan came through for me. The story of Violet, daughter of Lucretia, and the lives of courtesans in Shanghai is compelling. The world Tan creates is vivid, and her characters entirely believable.
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is that the story became a little too expository towards the end, with an extended denouement that was boring compared to the rest of the story.
too disturbing for me to enjoy. I read fiction for pleasure, so giving up on this one. I really like her other books.
