The Hundred Secret Senses
[ 2006-03-21 10:34 ]
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中文譯名: 《百種神秘感覺》
Publisher: Ivy Books
ISBN: 080411109X
List Price: 65 RMB
Discounted Price（優惠價）: 59 RMB
You save: 6 RMB
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YA? Olivia, the narrator of this story, was born to an American mother
and a Chinese father. She meets her 18-year-old Chinese half sister, Kwan,
for the first time shortly after their father's death. Kwan adores
"Libby-ah" and tries to introduce her to her Chinese heritage through
stories and memories. Olivia is embarrassed by her sibling, but finds as
she matures that she has inadvertently absorbed much about Chinese
superstitions, spirits, and reincarnation.
Olivia explains, "My
sister Kwan believes she has Yin eyes. She sees those who have died and
now dwell in the World of Yin..." Now in her mid-30s, Olivia, a
photographer, is still seeking a meaningful life. The climax of the story
comes when she and her estranged husband Simeon, a writer, go to China on
assignment with Kwan as the interpreter. In the village in which she grew
up, Kwan returns to the world of Yin, her mission completed. Olivia
finally learns what Kwan was trying to show her: "If people we love die,
then they are lost only to our ordinary senses. If we remember, we can
find them anytime with our hundred secret senses."
The meshing of
the contemporary story of Olivia and the tales Kwan tells of her past life
in late-19th century China may confuse some readers. Although this story
is different from Tan's previous novels because of the supernatural twist,
YAs will find some familiar elements. Carol Clark, R.E. Lee High School,
Springfield, VA. |
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