The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan

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The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan



Violet Minturn is an American girl who lives with her mother in the Hidden Jade Path, a first class courtesan house in Shanghai, China. Lulu Mimi, her mother, also American, is the owner and madam of Hidden Jade Path, also known as the House of Lulu Mimi. The courtesan house is known for their Cloud Beauties and for catering to both Chinese and Western Clients. The Revolution that occurred when Violet was fourteen changed everything for the Minturn family. They were now in fear for their life as foreigners. It was at this time that Violet also discovered that her father, who she had always believed was an American man who passed away when she was young, was a Chinese businessman very much alive. His very traditional family shunned her and her mother but kidnapped her little brother who she didn’t even know existed. Lulu’s search for her young son and trust in the wrong person would leave Violet abandoned and forced to live the life of a courtesan.
The Valley of Amazement is the story of Violet and all the love and loss that occurred throughout her life. We are exposed, through Violet’s narration, to the life of the courtesans that worked for her mother, the guest they entertained, and the rituals that they pursued in their business. Violets struggle with realizing her Chinese heritage exposed the social classes and racial divides in early 20th century China. The relationship between Violet and Lulu would affect Violet throughout her life and become a defining factor in her acceptance of love and her portrayal of those people that came in her life, both male and female.

I really wanted to enjoy this novel, the second I’ve read by Amy Tan. Unfortunately this novel struggled to keep me interested. Tan is a well written author but this novel lacked in many different areas. The majority of the novel was narrated by Violet, with a few chapters told through other characters. This change in delivery didn’t increase the pace or help the storyline. In my opinion it hindered the novel by preventing Violet’s story from proceeding. The novel took place over a large amount of time with abrupt jumps in time with little information provided about what had transpired. In all honesty I lost faith in Violet, her decision making abilities and motivations. There was no intrigue only the passing of time. I really wanted to consume myself with this novel but I find myself giving it 2 out of 5 stars. The writing wasn’t an issue, the novel suffered from a lack of storytelling. It felt as if Tan had a beginning and an end already planned out and simply used Violet, and her unnecessary struggles, as a means to an end. 

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