Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

China Dolls by Lisa See

3 reviews

redvelveting's review against another edition

3.75

This book was a wonderful glimpse into Chinese American life during World War II and even more interestingly, the history of Asian American performers and clubs. Such a fascinating part of American history that I would never have known about. It’s clear that a lot of research went into creating this book and capturing the Chinese American experience at the time.   

The book is told from three different perspectives and the author did a fantastic job of distinguishing them. I think the climax was dissatisfying (resolved quite quickly), but overall, I enjoyed the book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Alcoholism, Sexual harassment, Xenophobia, War, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, and Sexual content

Moderate: Murder, Misogyny, Death of parent, Classism, Bullying, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Infidelity, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Child death, and Homophobia

Minor: Slavery, Terminal illness, Confinement, and Abortion

pun1sher's review against another edition

emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The main plot twist was easy to guess but this was an enjoyable read anyway. A very interesting peak into 30s/40s America, East Asian-American communities, and relationships between women.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Alcohol, Sexism, Racism, Violence, Sexual harassment, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Gaslighting, Cursing, Stalking, War, Police brutality, Misogyny, and Murder

Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Rape, and Homophobia

dorathebald's review

emotional slow-paced

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

3.5

The only saving point of this book is Helen's arc. 

Also Helen sounds like shes gay for Grace

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Racism, and Suicide attempt