Amy Tan's first novel tells the stories of four mothers who left China towards the end of the 1940s to live in San Francisco, and each of their four American-born daughters. The mothers talk of their lives in China, their strict upbringing, arranged and failed marriages, and their journeys to the US. The daughters tell of their own difficult childhoods, growing up in California but with Chinese norms at home, and their struggles to live to up to their mothers' expectations.
Each story gives a wonderful glimpse into Chinese culture and heritage including festivals, marriage ceremonies, food dishes, clothing, and raising children. They got me thinking...do we have as many rich traditions in the West? Apart from religion-based celebrations (first communion, Easter, Christmas, etc.) I can't think of too many traditions that are handed down through generations. (Please feel free to comment and disagree if I'm missing something.)
The Joy Luck Club was a quick and easy read and, if you enjoy reading about different cultures, I would highly recommend it.
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