All 3 Uses

however
in
The Joy Luck Club
(Edited)

The best playground, however, was the dark alley itself.†
Chpt 7 *

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
She said, "I want you to think about a nickel's worth of candy money, or however much you eat each week--your Good and Plentys, your Necco wafers, your Jujubes--and compare that to what you are about to see."
Chpt 12 *

however = whatever amount of
Lately, however, this business about being equals started to bother me.†
Chpt 12

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.

Definitions:

(1) (however as in: However, complications may...)
though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)

Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
(2) (however as in: However much she tried...)
to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
(3) (however as in: However you do it, get it done!)
in whatever way
(4) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
Much more rarely (and arguably incorrectly), however can be used to intensify the word how, as when one says "However did you find her?" Grammarians would suggest using two words for that usage: "How ever did you find her?"