Helpful Score: 2
I would agree with others who have said that this book is similar to a Chinese version of "Memoirs of A Geisha". I really enjoyed some parts of this book more than others. Some events in Precious Orchid's Life seemed a bit far-fetched (even though I know that this was fiction). Precious Orchid's granddaughter seemed childish and vacuous. I thought that these "Front flashes" were unnecessary. They are only good when done well and add to the story and they certainly did not in in this book. If it weren't for this distracting tactic throughout, I would have given the book a 4.5. I will still read future books from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
Disappointing.
Helpful Score: 1
Even considering the subject matter, this book was just plain vulgar. The crudeness is worst in the beginning, but it never really gets better. I was shocked when I noticed a study guide for book clubs. Not because it's about prostitution, but because of the crudeness. If the author got $1 for every use of the f-word, she'd retire rich. As other reviewers have noticed, the plot is a little far-fetched in places, most of it being a set-up to get her into someone else's bed. Every now and then the writing seemed juvenile, as though a teen-ager wrote it. I don't recommend.
This is the story of a little girl's triumph over enormous tragedy. I believe the book is a first novel.
