Bonesetter's Daughter, The
Tan, AmyRuth Young knows very little of her mother's past, until some papers written in Chinese calligraphy, fall into her hands. We are taken back to LuLing's birthplace: the remote, mountainous region in China where Peking Man was discovered in the 1920s. Tan uses the conflicts of mothers, daughters and sisters to explore the dynamic that exists between first-generation Americans and their immigrant elders.
Comments from Groups
Generally well liked. Interesting details of a different culture and history. Would recommend this book. Christchurch 313 Beautifully written and very readable. Provoked interesting discussion about our own mother's lives and care in old age. Mangaweka 001 Most of the group's discussion centred around mother/daughter relationships and we learned so much more about each other. Nelson 019 An engrossing read. The author certainly knows how to tell a story! Governor's Bay 001 Enjoyed the book though we found the ending a bit too 'perfectly happy'! Really enjoyed the Chinese settings. Lyttelton 004
Pages
339
339
Year
2001
2001
Reviews
29-08-2022
We loved this book - one of our favourites. Lots of layers.
29-08-2022
Slow to start, but the plot gathered momentum as it progressed.
29-08-2022
Most of us found it an interesting, easy and enjoyable read. It generated a lot of discussion about our own families, especially our mothers and grandmothers. We think about writing our own stories.
29-08-2022
Interesting read. A great story to understand inter-generational relationships, and a different culture.
06-07-2022
We all enjoyed it, but many of us took a while to get into it and didn't really enjoy it till part 2, where we learnt of Luling's (the mother) background. We all loved learning more about Chinese history and culture, communism, Peking Man, the conflict with the Japanese, the tradition of bone-setting and ink making. We were surprised and saddened by how superstition ruled and ruined their lives. Great writing that described well the complex relationship between mother and daughter, and the cruelty of dementia.
28-02-2022
Very enjoyable read. Well-written.
25-08-2021
Group enjoyed the book.
04-11-2019
We all thoroughly enjoyed this book.