Two Kinds by Amy Tan Summary - Book Report/Review Example

Two Kinds by Amy Tan is a short story based on Chinese and U.S social settings (Tan 194-201). Jing-mei narrates on her journey to become a child prodigy out of her mother’s relentless efforts and influence. The mother is adamant that there is an unnoticed talent that her daughter possesses. Her efforts to find the hidden talent do not seem to bear any fruit, although she finally comes to the conclusion that the prodigy characteristics of her daughter will be realized through piano lessons.

However, this is not a smooth and well-taken conclusion.She is signed up for a talent show that brings together the Chinese-American community. This is seen as an opportunity to showcase her developing talent in piano. She is faced by a significant audience, and all that can save her is a miracle since the talent show has trapped her. However, all she was set for is a shame, to her and her family. A daughter-mother conflict arises and the mother’s concern for her daughter’s talent fades away.

Towards the end of the story, the daughter returns with her piano. The piano is fully serviced. Jing-mei’s mother has passed away and her high hopes for the daughter can only be remembered by keeping the piano. She, therefore, lets the piano act as a representation of her mother’s hopes for her.