Priscilla and her Books

This is my first Amy Tan book. Having bought it at a sale (3 for $10), I was ecstatic to finally found one book I’ve been meaning to read for quite some time.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter talks about the estranged relationship between mothers and daughters. It is about the women who shaped Ruth Young’s life. The story shows that it is not too late for people to forgive each other and themselves.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter is bold and troublesome all at once.

The first part focuses on Ruth, a workaholic in her mid 40s. It talks about Young with her life partner, Art and his two adolescent daughters, Dory and Fia. Things start to get complicated when Young finds out that her mother, Lu Ling, is showing signs of dementia. The late Precious Auntie, whose real identity shows later in the book, is a constant figment in Lu Ling’s life. The relationship between Ruth and Lu Ling is fustrating. There’s resentment and bitterness.

The second part evolves to Lu Ling’s young life. Sisterly love. Marriage. Curses. Family secrets. I’m not a believer when it comes to superstitions; I find them silly. To quote from the book, it is bound by grudges, debt and love.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter builds up slowly. It reads well and is rich with humanity. The last 70 pages offers commentary on forgiveness and pride- as Ruth finally understands what her mother and grandmother has done for her.