The novel intricately explores the dynamics between mothers and daughters, highlighting the generational and cultural gaps that often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Each pair of mothers and daughters in the story has a unique relationship, marked by love, tension, and a deep, unspoken bond that transcends their differences.

The Joy Luck Club delves into the challenges of maintaining one's cultural heritage while assimilating into a new society. The mothers, who are first-generation immigrants, struggle to preserve their Chinese traditions, while their daughters, born and raised in America, grapple with their dual identities and the pressure to conform to American norms.

The novel underscores the themes of resilience and hope as the characters confront personal and collective hardships. The formation of the Joy Luck Club itself is an act of defiance against despair, symbolizing the women's determination to find joy and support in each other's company despite their past traumas and ongoing struggles.