THE VALLEY OF AMAZEMENT

Nancy Wu is the principal narrator of this story about Chinese-American Violet Minturn, who was forced into a courtesan's life when she was separated from her American mother (also a courtesan) as she fled politically unstable Shanghai in the early 1900s. Wu excels at pronouncing the Chinese words and allowing Violet's voice to mature as she grows from a scared girl to a capable, strong woman. Wu is less successful, however, with male dialogue and is inconsistent with some of the non-Chinese accents. Author Amy Tan reads the chapters told by Magic Gourd, Violet's mentor. Swallowing noises and a slightly flat tone detract from Tan's performance. Joyce Bean delivers Violet's mother's perspective, capturing her personality and conflicted emotions. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2013]