Scan barcode
lamom77's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting story of three Asian women around the time of WWII. They danced and sang at nightclubs in San Francisco and around the country. The story is about their friendships, relationships and betrayals.
shelbydm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
To be rated/reviewed closer to this month's book club meeting
The story begins in 1938 San Francisco and follows the lives of three young dancers -- Grace, Helen, and Ruby -- who forge a friendship that spans 50 years. The complex relationship dynamics fluctuate as the years unfold and are sometimes frustrating, but they add an element of realism to the characters and the story. This historical fiction tale weaves in facts about the entertainment industry, World War II, and California equally well, and results in a three dimensional story that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the storytelling technique of presenting alternating chapters from each woman's point of view, and learning about each woman's pasts and secrets. The focus on the impact of WWII in the Pacific was unique, specifically the Japanese internment camps in the U.S. that have not been widely written about in comparison to other aspects of the war. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor threatens to destroy the women's lives, and a related shocking act of betrayal changes everything. Fans of Lisa See's historical fiction will discover many of the same elements that make them so successful -- complex personal relationships, unique historical angles, and an ability to shift the reader's opinion of the characters as their motivations and stories are revealed.
The story begins in 1938 San Francisco and follows the lives of three young dancers -- Grace, Helen, and Ruby -- who forge a friendship that spans 50 years. The complex relationship dynamics fluctuate as the years unfold and are sometimes frustrating, but they add an element of realism to the characters and the story. This historical fiction tale weaves in facts about the entertainment industry, World War II, and California equally well, and results in a three dimensional story that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the storytelling technique of presenting alternating chapters from each woman's point of view, and learning about each woman's pasts and secrets. The focus on the impact of WWII in the Pacific was unique, specifically the Japanese internment camps in the U.S. that have not been widely written about in comparison to other aspects of the war. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor threatens to destroy the women's lives, and a related shocking act of betrayal changes everything. Fans of Lisa See's historical fiction will discover many of the same elements that make them so successful -- complex personal relationships, unique historical angles, and an ability to shift the reader's opinion of the characters as their motivations and stories are revealed.
bobbie2001's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
nightmarily's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn't put the book down! It really drew me in and I was so interested in these characters' lives. However, the ending made me feel a little dissatisfied.
rmarcin's review against another edition
4.0
I am very glad that this novel was suggested as a book club selection. I did not like the first Lisa See Book I read, but I really enjoyed this one. I learned a lot about Chinese Americans, the prevalent racism against Asians, and the Chinese nightclub circuit. I also learned a bit about the Japanese internment camps during WWII, as well as the treatment of Japanese Americans.
This novel follows Grace, Helen, and Ruby as they struggle to break into show business, and navigate through the end of the Depression and through WWII.
This is a novel that covers a great deal of history and I thought Lisa See did a great job with it.
#ChinaDolls #LisaSee
This novel follows Grace, Helen, and Ruby as they struggle to break into show business, and navigate through the end of the Depression and through WWII.
This is a novel that covers a great deal of history and I thought Lisa See did a great job with it.
#ChinaDolls #LisaSee
erincataldi's review against another edition
4.0
Man - I really enjoyed this book! Three young Chinese Americans meet up in San Francisco during the late thirties and become fast friends. They bond through their love of the spotlight. They love being on the stage and dancing, dazzling the audience with the grace and wit. From Forbidden City Nightclub to other venues; they delight in sequins, lace, and silk. Grace is outgoing but escaping a hard past in Plain City, Ohio. Helen is smothered in her family compound in San Francisco's Chinatown. Ruby left her parents in Hawaii to find stardom in California. The three share many ups and downs, lots of prejudice from White Americans, especially when America enters the war. Can their friendship survive all? Told through alternating perspectives; this is a timeless, complicated, and unique story of friendship. Wonderful!
wekubek27's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
ankesmeele's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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? N/A
4.0