I almost put down this book after the first fifty pages or so, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I had two major concerns that turned out to be unfounded. This book was neither a recycled Joy Luck Club nor a tiresomely preachy precautionary tale about the dangers of keeping secrets from your loved ones until it's too late. Sure, it starts off with secrets being kept by a Chinese woman, Winnie, from her Chinese-American daughter (and vice versa) but the bulk of the book is Winnie telling her daughter the story of her life in China during WWII. It reads like your grandmother telling you about her childhood in the old country: very personal and occasionally exaggerated, with a lot of unimportant details - much like all human memories. A few times I tired of the constant "oh my life in China was so horrible" refrain, but the ending is satisfying, uplifting, and very much worth it. I don't know if I'll actively search out more books by Amy Tan - I can only read about women who escape oppression in China so many times - but her lyrical prose and poetic metaphors were very lovely. If I ever find something by her with a vastly different plot I'll scoop it up immediately, just to immerse myself in her gorgeous writing style once again. ( )

This was an excellent book. A real page turner. The mother-daughter relationship was heart-wrenching. I could really relate to their frustrations and love for each other. The the flow of the text was colorful and natural. I felt as if I really heard the voices of the characters, particularly the mother Weiwei. ( )

I liked better than [The Joy Luck Club.] Like Joy Luck this novel deals with a mother/daughter relationship. The mother’s story about her difficult life back in China is the heart of the novel and it is framed by present-day scenes with her daughter in California. The novel is not only about the mother’s past, it is also about the stories we keep hidden, why we keep them secret, and why we may eventually reveal ourselves to someone we love. ( )

I began reading this book for an english project. I fell in love with this book because it gave me such an amazing view and insight into chinese culture and thnking. This book is a book i believe anyone can fall in love with and it will get you hooked. The only part of the book that was slow was the first couple chapters, however tis book picks up really fast and makes it amazingly hard to put down. I believe Amy Tan is an amazing writer and i am looking forward to reading her other writings. ( )

The Kitchen God's Wife is the powerful story of the personal hardships and struggles of a Chinese woman during the Chinese war with Japan. During the narrative, the reader gets a peek into this part of Chinese history as well as the culture and societal prejudices.
This story probes into the role of the Chinese culture of the time and how the secrets of families effect their members in unforeseen manners. Winnie's forced by her "sister" to reveal all of her secrets to her daughter. Her life story is filled with misfortune and hope. At times depressing and at others inspiring, this entrancing, vibrant, elegant, and unforgettable tale of womanhood, fortitude, and love, is intertwined with light comedy and the curative power of truth.
This overwhelming story tells of the degradation of an abusive husband and the triumph of the human spirit.. Winnie's tale shows the inhumanity of arranged marriages and horrific treatment of women. As Winnie relates the events of her life before her emigration to a new life in the USA, the steadfast devotion and loyalty of her female friends support Winnie and aid her flight to freedom. In the end, their continued assistance bring her closer to her daughter at time when they both need each other.
This was a very difficult book to read because of the horror that is conveyed in this tale. If nothing else it makes you appreciate the freedom of our society and blessings of our lives. ( )