What is the primary theme in "The Joy Luck Club"?

In "The Joy Luck Club," the primary theme revolves around the cultural generational gap between mothers and daughters. This theme is explored through the interactions and stories of the four Chinese-American women and their immigrant mothers, each of whom experiences profound misunderstandings and contrasting values shaped by their differing cultural backgrounds. The mothers, who grew up in China, often have traditional views influenced by their own experiences of hardship and sacrifice. In contrast, their American-born daughters grapple with modern American culture, leading to conflicts and a sense of disconnection between the two generations.

Throughout the novel, this generational divide is highlighted as the women share their personal narratives, revealing how cultural heritage, expectations, and identity shape their relationships. This thematic focus on the struggles and complexities of mother-daughter relationships serves as a lens through which the broader experiences of immigrant families can be understood. Through these narratives, Lisa See illustrates the challenges of reconciling old-world traditions with contemporary American life, making the cultural generational gap the heart of the story.