1900s Shanghai is showcased in this novel that throws light on the tough lives of courtesans. It extensively talks about the conflicts of Chinese-American identity. The mother-daughter relationship and the problems that jeopardize this sacred bond is highlighted deftly. The narrator Violet has been tricked and made to live a life of a courtesan. Three chapters towards the end have been narrated by her courtesan mother Lulu, an American, who moved to Shanghai from San Francisco and is also the owner of a courtesan house. Through this book, there is also a glimpse into China’s Republic status after the collapse of the last Royal Dynasty. Oppression of women, survival against all odds, betrayal, heartache, jealousy, loss, family secrets, neglect, determination, friendship, separation, marriage, and lost love are the key ingredients of this heavy book.

Amy Tan, an American of Chinese origin has sketched characters who are rebellious, naive, strong yet weak as well as have a sense of humor too. There is never a dull moment in the book that delves into the carnal desires of all sorts of men and women. It’s a fictional story that has funny names like Cracked Egg, Perpetual, Magic Gourd, Golden Dove, and Loyalty Fang to name a few. The drift from a lavish lifestyle to a life in a remote Chinese village atop a mountain has many heart-wrenching moments. The growth of foreign trade has also been mentioned in Amy’s sixth book. The power of love, trauma, and stubborn behavior make it a compelling read.