The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
I like this book so far. It is intriguing and compelling. The book seems to switch narrators by the chapter. This is interesting to see different points of view, and it forces the reader to pay closer attention to not only what’s taking place in the story, but also who is saying/ thinking it. Tan says, “I remember all these things. And tonight, on the fifteenth day of the eight moon, I also remember what I asked the Moon Lady so long ago. I wished to be found” (Tan 83). During this part in the book this has a more literal meaning, but the speaker has brought this into a more broad perspective. She wants to find herself, as opposed to be only what others think she is. This book is heavily oriented around family, which could play a role in the narrator’s self- identity.
Tan captures the struggle of immigrant identity in this book. Thought I have no personal experience, I have read on the topic and spoken with people who do, and Tan portrays this accurately.
I also agree that the alternating points of views in each chapter captivates the reader to read with more interest because every chapter has its own theme and message. I believe the most reoccurring theme is the wisdom of a mother, and how different stories influences the way the listener interprets/lives life. As someone who has a non-English speaking mom, I can relate myself to the book and tell you that this book does a wonderful job to represent what it’s like to be a child of an immigrant. My mother has her own stories she shares with me from her childhood, and tells me them in hopes that I will not make the same mistakes that she did, and live a better life. I hope you liked the book so far despite the fact that you don’t have personal experience, and will spread word about it to other people interested in reading it as well! 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Kendall. Why do you think the author switches narrators? What does this to do move forth the message of the book? (message about mother/daughter relationships)
What makes Tan’s portrayal accurate? What parts have been most interesting so far?