This book is oh so long. I think Amy Tan has lost her luster. The last 2 books have not been good. The detailing of the courtesan houses was very elicit. These women who were supposed to be brave and independent, some how made very dumb choices when it came right down to it. Why would you trust Fairweather to bring your child aboard the boat? It seemed rotten, so don't trust him? Why would you put the wrong name on your child's birth certificate? Poor Magic Gourd getting taken along with Violet and her new husband. Violet's mother was quite the selfish child and promiscuous for attention.