Reviews

Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

paulineisreading's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.25

wengergal's review

3.0

I was not familiar with Sophie Wan's previous books but The Women of Good Fortune caught my attention from the description. Three friends, a lavish Shanghai wedding, and a heist makes for a great book in my opinion.

Lulu, a woman of lesser means, finds herself suddenly the "target" of Shanghai's most eligible bachelor. Lulu believes that money is her ticket to happiness because it will provide for her parents.

Rina, who is a career driven and desperate to freeze her eggs, is frustrated that she is continually passed over for promotions at work and is viewed as a Leftover.

Jane, not afraid to speak her mind and obsessed with name brand luxury goods is desperate to divorce her husband and get the plastic surgery on her face that she believes will fix all her problems.

Each woman wants something different but each needs one thing: Money.

The women believe that Lulu's wedding is the chance that they all need to get the money to make their dreams come true.

This is a great book of escapism while still tackling some common core themes among all women today.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

lindanyc's review

2.75

The characters are really hard to even like. 

jadeite_reads's review against another edition

slow-paced

2.25

dr_dumpling's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I'm torn on how I feel about Women of Good Fortune. It's a fantastic exploration of female friendship and a critique of classism and marriage, and I was on board until the first plot twist, 

when Lulu no longer knew if she wanted to go through with the heist. And from there, the book became painfully heteronormative as Rina and Jane found love outside their friendship, in men. Sigh.

But the heist part was well-developed, and bonus points for queer representation.

lesliewilliams's review

4.0

"Women of Good Fortune" is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the opulent world of high-society Shanghai. Set against the backdrop of a lavish wedding, the story unfolds as a reluctant bride, her two best friends, and their shared frustration with societal norms unite in a daring plan to liberate themselves. The author skillfully weaves together heartfelt moments, humor, and dazzling descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life.

Thank you Netgalley and Graydon House for the ARC!

rosiebp's review

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

laurinsreadthat's review

3.0

There were some things I really liked, like the actual heist plot, the counterfeit characters character development, and subplot and the world in which the book lived. However I felt like the writing style felt a bit slow for me, and took me a while to get into and really connect with. Definite moments of ease but not an overall tear through or dying for more.

truno's review

emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aehols's review

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5