This is a hard book to describe. On the one hand, it's a story about relationships (familial and romantic) and on the other, it's a story about past lives and ties that connect us from one lifetime to the next. No matter which of these draw you in, both aspects of the story will keep you enthralled.

Olivia always kind of resented her older half-sister, Kwan. She's from China and they share a father (who has since died) and, because she was 18 when she moved to the States, she's never fully assimilated. She's over-enthusiastic and also says she has "yin eyes," meaning she can see ghosts. She also remembers her past lives and will discuss them with anyone, whether or not they're even remotely interested.

Their relationship is very similar to Scarlett O'Hara and Melanie Wilkes, actually. Olivia is completely annoyed by the incredibly big-hearted Kwan and always tries to get out of spending time together. Even after her marriage starts breaking apart, she hates her sister's attempts to reunite her and her husband, Simon.

This is a wonderful book, and I'm glad I finally read it. (The only other Amy Tan novel I've read is The Joy Luck Club.) Absolutely recommended.