The Valley of Amazement explores the complexity of mother-daughter relationships.
Spanning 50 years and two continents, it tells the story of Violet Minturn, who grows up in an exclusive courtesan house.
Half-Chinese and half-American, her life takes a cruel turn when she is separated from her mother.
Violet’s life becomes a tale of seduction and betrayal, but abandonment propels her on a search to understand her family and place in the world.
This is heavily descriptive, but worth the effort.
Author: Amy Tan (HarperCollins, $34.99)
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