Reviews

I picked this book up because it was different to a lot of the things I had read this year. I liked seeing how societal pressures (in the context of sexism in the chinese workforce, how women are valued, the one-child policy etc.) have shaped the characters in different ways, it set them up nicely to speak on different concerns (fertility, beauty standards, responsibilities and family). While it was a little slow at times, I think this book is less about the heist and more about the emotional core of finding out what you want compared to what you need, and exploring friendship.

I felt sad for Lulu, she was trying to be everything to everyone all the time and I hope she is happy in the long-term.

britneygee's review against another edition

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3.0

What first drew me into this book was the “heist” plot line hinted at in the synopsis, but ultimately, I stayed for the heart.

Women of Good Fortune is a heartfelt story about relationships and the toll life can take on people as they age more so than the heist. I loved that! Folks don’t talk enough about how friendships ebb and flow over time. One line said something like “when passion fizzles to responsibility,” and it is evident that every single character in this book is fighting that to some degree. I also really enjoyed how the cultural expectations drove the decision making and drama in this book.

In the end though, the book was just ok. I wasn’t ditching sleep for it, but I did have some fun and laugh with the characters! The audio narration is awesome as well!

ruterilla's review against another edition

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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

3.0

sm_almon's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The back cover copy on this book sounded so fun (a female-focused heist set at a Shanghai wedding? Count me in!), and it definitely delivered on the premise! I had a great time following Lulu, Rina and Jane on their respective journeys, and I would happily read more about each of our main characters; I would especially love a standalone follow-up book focused on what comes next for

Rina and Vic, and Jane and Zihao

after the conclusion of Women of Good Fortune. I'm so glad I picked this up to read on a whim!

anoushka16's review

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1.0

Dnfing at 74% and I have a lot to say!!!!!!!
I really tried hard to read this book but it’s just not it. It’s a story about a heist then why is it so slow and lacking the thrill???? I was battling getting into a reading slump while trying to finish this book and that’s when I was like no I gotta put this book down. The book is divided into three parts: the recruitment: I would say it was mid so I held out hope for the rest of the book
the planning: boring
the heist: made me battle an incoming reading slump
Among all these things I would say I liked the cultural aspect portrayed in the book but that’s about it.
TBH the characters didn’t even seem to have a good enough reason to steal well atleast Jane and Lulu didn’t!
And the only couple I was a lil invested in was Rina and Vic but then I lost of interest in it too because of the lack of proper development of their story.
The pacing of the story was just bad. I was so intrigued by the plot of the book and had high expectations from it and it really makes me to write this review.

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