The Bonesetter’s Daughter is about Ruth Young, and her
relationship with her mother, LuLing. The story takes place in modern-day San
Francisco, along with LuLing’s past in China. Ruth has always had a tense
relationship with LuLing, until she discovers her mother’s secrets and
struggles in her past life. Ruth lives with her husband Art, but is not content
with her life because of her mother’s mysterious nature. LuLing grew up in a
villiage in China with a family curse who goes by the bonesetter. LuLing
disagreed to marry a man that her family and village had arranged, so tragedies
and bad luck occurred to her and her family. LuLing’s caregiver has always been
Precious Auntie. LuLing never knew the truth with her, so she had blamed her
for her family’s curse, and shunned her. In the end, it is revealed that
Precious Auntie was LuLing’s biological mother, and it affects Ruth in a
striking way. She learns to forgive her mother, and her mother is willing to
forgive her.
This novel has a lot of emotional meaning within it. I
understood the close family culture because of my own Asian heritage; no matter
how Americanized I am, I am still able to understand that my parents are strict
because they want the best for me- since when they themselves went through
quite a journey during and after the Vietnam War. LuLing’s past is a haunting
heartbreak, but it builds a stronger bond between her and Ruth.
Book Review by Christine V.
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