'Compelling ... exotic lands and the past lend themselves to poetry. Tan turns the familiar but harrowing accounts of pre-Communist Chinese women into a romantic and intriguing tale. LuLing is a classic Tan character, a resilient survivor who, like Olivia in "The Hundred Secret Senses", betrays someone close to her with dire consequences.' TLS 'A classic ... [told with] originality and humour ... this is a delicious page-turner that keeps you guessing, laughing and crying until the end.' Sunday Express
