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A review by categj
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
4.0
Once again, Lisa See has transported me to a different time and a different culture with her book Shanghai Girls. The two main characters, sisters, May and Pearl, are realistically portrayed as is their "sister love". Their story, from their birthplace in Shanghai to their new home in California is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
This historical novel relives the hardships that the Chinese people endured in the United States when they fled Shanghai after the Japanese invasion, through World War II, and Chairman Mao's communist takeover of their beloved China. The traditions of an ancient people and the westernization of Shanghai combine to illustrate the trials and tribulations of the two sisters who envision a life of wealth, happiness and safety after the downfall of their father leads to tragedy for the Chin family.
May and Pearl, together, face tragedy and overwhelming obstacles as they try build a new life for themselves and for Joy, born in America to May, but claimed by Pearl. The sisters' love for one another stays strong through the ups and downs of life and they come to see each other in a new understanding of their families, their past and their true characters.
This book is a compelling story of ancient traditions, love, loyalty, and tragedy in a time when fear tore families apart, in China and in North America.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I look forward to reading Ms. See's book, a continuation of this story, Dreams of Joy.
This historical novel relives the hardships that the Chinese people endured in the United States when they fled Shanghai after the Japanese invasion, through World War II, and Chairman Mao's communist takeover of their beloved China. The traditions of an ancient people and the westernization of Shanghai combine to illustrate the trials and tribulations of the two sisters who envision a life of wealth, happiness and safety after the downfall of their father leads to tragedy for the Chin family.
May and Pearl, together, face tragedy and overwhelming obstacles as they try build a new life for themselves and for Joy, born in America to May, but claimed by Pearl. The sisters' love for one another stays strong through the ups and downs of life and they come to see each other in a new understanding of their families, their past and their true characters.
This book is a compelling story of ancient traditions, love, loyalty, and tragedy in a time when fear tore families apart, in China and in North America.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I look forward to reading Ms. See's book, a continuation of this story, Dreams of Joy.