This heartwarming story is told through the eyes of Olivia, a typical American who talks about the Chinese culture and the uniqueness of her family. Olivia tells the story of her life, from when she was a young girl with her Chinese half-sister, Kwan, who has "yin-eyes" and can see the dead to the present, with the troubles of her marriage, stemming from her inability to hold back her anger. Her jealousy to Simon's late ex-girlfriend is apparent after she finds out that Simon is in love with her - as well as still in love with the late Elsa. Olivia's character is one that many can understand, for all the unfortunate events in one's life are always "someone else's fault but mine". Her tendency to push the blame onto someone else and sometimes act cruelly shows the insecurities that many face, as Tan appeals to the reader's emotions and feelings. In a last effort to repair their relationship together Olivia, Simon, and Kwan journey to China, where together they experience the power of laughter and the strength of anger. Readers experience joy and laughter and the pain and struggles and learn to cherish what is often taken for granted and learn to appreciate family.