"'Someday you will see,' said my mother. 'It is in your blood, waiting to be let go.'"
--The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Four mothers and four daughters tell their stories which are connected only by the Joy Luck Club: a regular social gathering of the four mothers to eat and play Mah Jong. I remembered each story, especially the mother's stories rooted in Chinese custom and lore, to be particularly fascinating.
After reading for a few minutes I realized with some sadness that the second reason for reading this book was to understand the wisdom of Chinese mothers which my daughter will never have the opportunity to hear. I felt a little weepy when I realized that she would really be missing something important and perhaps those Chinese women scolding me in the park were really trying to tell me something besides put more clothing on your daughter.
The Chinese mothers portrayed in Ms. Tan's novel were full of stories of ancient times and proverbs to teach their American born daughters lessons about life. I have often wished I had those tales at my disposal, ready to launch a life lesson at a moments notice. Tessa would benefit from the wisdom of a Chinese mother. They try to teach through story and metaphor. Although I am romanticizing a bit, it felt a little like living and leading like a poet.
I don't mean to say she will be settling for me and my wisdom, I have plenty to go around, but there is something about the way these mothers approached life that made me think I need to start channeling my Chinese mother more.
The Joy Luck Club was fun to re-read, and I am going to pack it up today for Catherine. Sometimes it is hard to keep track of the 8 different characters and their stories, but in total they do paint a picture of a complex emotional tension between mothers and daughters. The first story in the book which is concluded at the end is easily the best and most bittersweet, but all the complexities of life for women and girls in China is very lovingly portrayed.
It is worth reading or reading again. The movie is slightly different but also very good.
1 comment:
Hi Amy- Here I am perusing your blog looking for a book. I came across this post about The Joy Luck Club. I don't remember when I first read this book. I loved it, but it also led me to The Kitchen God's Wife, another book by Amy Tan that I loved even more. It has been so long since I read it that I can't remember much now, but I do remember being so sad when it was over. That is always the test for me. If I am so sad because I will miss the characters.
I know I've purchased this book about 10 times and always lend / give it to friends. Seems like I might be due for another copy.
I'm looking for the bee keeping book. My friend wants it for Christmas. I can't remember the name, but I know you wrote about it. :-)
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