RULES FOR VIRGINS Wherein Magic Gourd Advises Young Violet On How To Become A Popular Courtesan While Avoiding Cheapskates, False Love, and Suicide

For the first 13 minutes of this short book, author Amy Tan talks to listeners about her grandmother, her research, and the origins of her story about a retired Shanghai courtesan, Magic Gourd, who is giving advice to a young woman just beginning her career. Narrator Nancy Wu convincingly voices Magic Gourd's blunt and detailed instructions to Violet, a virgin whose future livelihood depends on her ability to win the favors of rich patrons and outmaneuver rivals. Although Wu's Western accent sometimes comes across too strongly and listeners may notice the sound of her breathing, her portrayal of the mature woman is appropriately bittersweet, as Magic Gourd, once a desired beauty, recalls her own experiences in turn-of-the-century Shanghai. The historical details about how to succeed in the competitive world of the courtesan are enthralling. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]