Helpful Score: 8
First Line: "Our daughter looks like a South China peasant with those red cheeks," my father complains, pointedly ignoring the soup before him.
Lisa See is a master of immersing her readers in a time and a culture completely different from their own. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was one of my top reads the year that I read it, and I couldn't wait to begin reading See's latest.
The 1930s are drawing to a close. Two sisters, Pearl and May, enjoy their lifestyle. They are "calendar girls"--what we would call models. Their faces sell dozens of different products. They wear the latest Western fashions. They party late. They like to ignore their rich parents. If a ceiling fan disappears or a few servants seem to have gone missing, Pearl and Mae pay little attention. They are young, beautiful, and they live in Shanghai--the Paris of Asia.
Their world falls to pieces when they learn that their father has gambled away his wealth and sold them as brides to two Chinese brothers living in California in order to clear his debts. They throw away their tickets to Los Angeles and go on modeling and going to parties, learning too late that their behavior cost them their chance to flee the invading Japanese. Going through hell to escape Shanghai, they make their way to California only to be kept at Angel Island--the Ellis Island of the West Coast of the United States. The next twenty years will bring many changes to their lives.
In so many ways, this book succeeds brilliantly. The author took my imagination straight to the streets of Shanghai and into the lives of two very young and selfish girls who can step over the body of a dead baby in the street on their way to a party, neither of them seeing anything wrong. This is one of the things I love about See's writing: the way she matter-of-factly opens my eyes to a totally alien culture.
The Japanese invasion of Shanghai was vivid, as was the two sisters' escape from the city. The endless months they were forced to spend on Angel Island made me a bit stir crazy, and Pearl's life in Los Angeles was depressing to the extreme.
Where the book failed for me was in the characterizations. I don't care for books in which all the male characters are depicted as lazy, stupid, weak, ego maniacal or just plain evil. Pearl's husband Sam was the sole decent male in the entire lot, and even he had his moments of weakness.
I also have to admit that I found the two main characters, May and Pearl, to be extremely irritating. May is the one who thinks only of herself. As long as she's being complimented and has plenty of pretty clothes to wear and fancy transportation, she's fit to live with. If those things don't happen, she's a pain in the neck. Pearl, on the other hand, is the classic martyr-- always sublimating herself in order to kowtow to what everyone else wants--and being oh so brave about it the entire time.
The ending of the book was rather abrupt. Almost a classic cliffhanger involving Pearl's spoiled daughter. It will be interesting to see if this does set up a sequel.
You may wonder why I still gave this book such a good rating. Such is the power of Lisa See's writing. Her depiction of Shanghai and Los Angeles during that time period and her description of culture in both Shanghai and the Chinatown of Los Angeles are so powerful that I can forget about wanting to shake some sense into both May and Pearl.
I am a character-driven reader. It is very seldom that I'm able to rate a book highly when I don't care for any of the people in it. In the case of Shanghai Girls, I think of the streets of Shanghai, the sights, the smells, bombs exploding, working in the shops of Chinatown in Los Angeles...the vivid canvas See painted is what I think of, not Pearl and May.
Lisa See is a master of immersing her readers in a time and a culture completely different from their own. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was one of my top reads the year that I read it, and I couldn't wait to begin reading See's latest.
The 1930s are drawing to a close. Two sisters, Pearl and May, enjoy their lifestyle. They are "calendar girls"--what we would call models. Their faces sell dozens of different products. They wear the latest Western fashions. They party late. They like to ignore their rich parents. If a ceiling fan disappears or a few servants seem to have gone missing, Pearl and Mae pay little attention. They are young, beautiful, and they live in Shanghai--the Paris of Asia.
Their world falls to pieces when they learn that their father has gambled away his wealth and sold them as brides to two Chinese brothers living in California in order to clear his debts. They throw away their tickets to Los Angeles and go on modeling and going to parties, learning too late that their behavior cost them their chance to flee the invading Japanese. Going through hell to escape Shanghai, they make their way to California only to be kept at Angel Island--the Ellis Island of the West Coast of the United States. The next twenty years will bring many changes to their lives.
In so many ways, this book succeeds brilliantly. The author took my imagination straight to the streets of Shanghai and into the lives of two very young and selfish girls who can step over the body of a dead baby in the street on their way to a party, neither of them seeing anything wrong. This is one of the things I love about See's writing: the way she matter-of-factly opens my eyes to a totally alien culture.
The Japanese invasion of Shanghai was vivid, as was the two sisters' escape from the city. The endless months they were forced to spend on Angel Island made me a bit stir crazy, and Pearl's life in Los Angeles was depressing to the extreme.
Where the book failed for me was in the characterizations. I don't care for books in which all the male characters are depicted as lazy, stupid, weak, ego maniacal or just plain evil. Pearl's husband Sam was the sole decent male in the entire lot, and even he had his moments of weakness.
I also have to admit that I found the two main characters, May and Pearl, to be extremely irritating. May is the one who thinks only of herself. As long as she's being complimented and has plenty of pretty clothes to wear and fancy transportation, she's fit to live with. If those things don't happen, she's a pain in the neck. Pearl, on the other hand, is the classic martyr-- always sublimating herself in order to kowtow to what everyone else wants--and being oh so brave about it the entire time.
The ending of the book was rather abrupt. Almost a classic cliffhanger involving Pearl's spoiled daughter. It will be interesting to see if this does set up a sequel.
You may wonder why I still gave this book such a good rating. Such is the power of Lisa See's writing. Her depiction of Shanghai and Los Angeles during that time period and her description of culture in both Shanghai and the Chinatown of Los Angeles are so powerful that I can forget about wanting to shake some sense into both May and Pearl.
I am a character-driven reader. It is very seldom that I'm able to rate a book highly when I don't care for any of the people in it. In the case of Shanghai Girls, I think of the streets of Shanghai, the sights, the smells, bombs exploding, working in the shops of Chinatown in Los Angeles...the vivid canvas See painted is what I think of, not Pearl and May.
Helpful Score: 5
I thought this was a very good book, though perhaps not as much as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It moves quickly, though, the characters are well drawn, and the plot is interwoven well with swift twists and turns. I'd recommend it, since it also gives a window into Chinese culture and perspective of the 1930's into the fifties.
Helpful Score: 4
Although I was excited to read this book, I was very let down. The premise of the story was interesting, and I have read other books about historical China and really enjoyed them. I did not care for this book. I really did not find myself caring what happened to the main characters, and I was VERY disappointed by the ending - much to abrupt even if it is setting up for a sequel. All in all, if you want to read a good book by this author I would recommend Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Helpful Score: 4
It was not nearly as good to me as Peony In Love or Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I was interested in the story, but it seemed rushed at the beginning, and then rushed at the end as well.
Helpful Score: 3
First of Sees books I have read. Interesting Story, kept me involved but I hated the way it ended. Makes me wonder if there is a book 2 continuation due to come out in the future. My rating would be between "do not like" and "like". We need a "fair" rating.
Helpful Score: 3
Could not wait to read the sequel. As soon as I was through with this I ordered the sequel from the library. A good book club selection. Our club had a rousing talk on it.Very well written & See is a good story teller.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. It is a great period piece of China in the 30s, a time period that isn't seen in a lot of books that I've come across. It spans the young adult years of two sisters' lives, coming from wealthy Shanghai to impoverished Los Angeles. Their journey was filled with hardships and yet they still stayed strong enough to take care of each other. This is not just a story about Chinese women making it through a war in their country and another war in their new country, it is the story of sisters who would do anything for each other.
Helpful Score: 2
Good, but not See's best. An enjoyable tale of two sisters at a pivotal time in China's life, but it lacks the emotional intensity of her other works. A worthy read, but not a blockbuster.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a very entertaining book that immerses the reader in Shanghai and Los Angeles in a historical context. It also provides insight into Chinese cultural values. I could not stop reading this book! It was so much fun. Full of plot twists and turns.
Helpful Score: 2
I really loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Peony in Love, however, Shanghai Girls was not the same for me. I hate the ending of the book, which leaves a million questions to the reader. If there is a sequel, I won't read it. I liked the main character, Pearl, well enough, but did not particularly care for her sister, May. About halfway through the book, I found it so boring that I almost put it down. I did continue reading it and finished it, but I could only give this book two stars. Lisa See's two previous books mentioned earlier were much, much better - this one was a disappointment.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great story about 2 sisters in China. They are young and models for calender and advertisements in the 1930's and love life until suddenly, their city is invaded by the Japanese. Their lives become very involved as they find out their father has arranged marriages for them to a Chinese business owners sons who are returning to America. The sisters are given tickets to board a ship to the US to join their new husbands, but decide they can run away instead. The characters are developed well the there is alot of history involved in the story. I found the book very enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but I just couldn't get into this book. It moved slowly and didn't capture me like Snow Flower did. I stopped reading halfway through. Very disappointing.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first book I read by Lisa See but it wont be my last.I really enjoyed this book about two sisters who lived in Shanghai.It was a heart wrenching book.You will follow the two sisters as they leave Shanghai and come to America.You will also follow the ups and downs they face along the way.
Helpful Score: 1
Really disappointing ending.
Helpful Score: 1
wonderful, i liked all of lisa see's books, but this one is the best yet. she gives a startling picture of what life is like for chinese women, and especially when the chinese immigrated to this country. i can't wait to read her next book.
Helpful Score: 1
My first Lisa See book was "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" which I enjoyed immensely. I followed it up with "Peony In Love" which was very disappointing. So, with her latest release, "Shanghai Girls," I was wondering what I would think.
Unfortunately, I found it to be another disappointment. It is an historical novel but there is no character development, particularly of the child, Joy - no descriptive of her physical presence or personality until she is in college. I felt like I was reading a journal or travelogue. And, don't even get me started on the ending... Not only is Joy's decision is incredibly unrealistic but when I turned the last page I was shocked to find the story had abruptly ended. Perhaps there will be a sequel - but I won't be reading it!
Unfortunately, I found it to be another disappointment. It is an historical novel but there is no character development, particularly of the child, Joy - no descriptive of her physical presence or personality until she is in college. I felt like I was reading a journal or travelogue. And, don't even get me started on the ending... Not only is Joy's decision is incredibly unrealistic but when I turned the last page I was shocked to find the story had abruptly ended. Perhaps there will be a sequel - but I won't be reading it!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent historical content. Horrible storytelling and character development. This book is also relatively heavy-handed in bashing the male gender- practically every single male character is a "bad guy" in this book. Then again, both May and Pearl are selfish and self-absorbed (believing themselves overtly pretty, talented, smart, etc) so they're not especially likeable, either.
Worse, this book fails in Lisa See's attempt to translate word for word Chinese phrases and sayings into English. Chinese is a tonal language, but translating them into English turns them into flat sounding cliches. I appreciate Lisa See's understanding of Chinese, but her use of Chinese is heavy-handed and out of place thorughout this book; nearly every page has some "wah wah wah" sounding phrase.
If you want to read a Chinese version of a Lifetime movie, read this. Otherwise, find a nonfiction book instead.
Worse, this book fails in Lisa See's attempt to translate word for word Chinese phrases and sayings into English. Chinese is a tonal language, but translating them into English turns them into flat sounding cliches. I appreciate Lisa See's understanding of Chinese, but her use of Chinese is heavy-handed and out of place thorughout this book; nearly every page has some "wah wah wah" sounding phrase.
If you want to read a Chinese version of a Lifetime movie, read this. Otherwise, find a nonfiction book instead.
Helpful Score: 1
Very well written. Captures your attention and makes you want to read faster to find out what happens to the sisters... Definitely a MUST read!
Helpful Score: 1
A great story about sisters who stay true to one another through good and bad times. Loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
See has written a compelling story of 2 sisters in war-torn China. She offers insight into the traditions of China, and is, at times, brutally realistic about the struggles Chinese people would have faced in coming to America in the early or mid-20th century. I relished See's descriptions of the places and people, and enjoyed recognizing familiar landmarks here in Los Angeles. It was a very worthwhile read, though I was disappointed by the open-endedness of the storyline, perhaps meant to invite a sequel.
Helpful Score: 1
There HAS TO BE a sequel!! I loved these characters too much to not read about their continued lives. I actually missed them when I completed this book. Wonderfully written, as usual for Lisa See. YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Helpful Score: 1
It was a fabulous and well-written accounting of Chinese immigrants' struggles in their new homeland.
Helpful Score: 1
Lisa See's book about China in 1937 stretching until shortly after the reign of communism begins is probably the most difficult book I have ever rated.
Ever.
Going into this review I fully understand I was not raised in the Chinese culture and well, I'm white. I don't understand the reactions of the characters to situations and other characters. That's why while I say this book is the most depressing book I have ever read and I actually sympathize with the character who committed suicide because this book offered little hope and out of all 300 pages or so, you saw 2 paragraphs of happiness and even that was strained.
The book begins with Pearl and May, 2 sisters in Shanghai when they are roughly 18 and 21. Pearl, the oldest, is immediately identified as the lesser sister in their parents eyes having to endure demeaning ridicule and comparison to her younger, prettier, and daintier sister, May. As Pearl is telling this story in first person, you really feel how sad and embarrassed she is of herself. However, through it all, even with her parents obviously favoritism of her sister May, she takes care of her, and protects her, being her jie jie.
In the first few chapters we realize their Baba (father) is a gambling man who lost everything to debtors, even his own daughters in an arranged marriage. Up until then they always thought that unlike their parents, they would be able to marry for love and choose their partner themselves. They meet with Sam and Vern, the two men they will be marrying, which is out of tradition, but they are allowed to meet once before the wedding. Sam is a quiet and handsome man, very caring and mindful, while Vern is naught but 14 and very good at it, even a little less than mature. Pearl is to marry Sam, May is to marry Vern.
A little while later, 17 days, their new husbands to be are due for return from a "business trip" from Hong Kong for the marriage ceremony to take place. They after dodging, and Pearl being in love with another man, realize they have no choice to go through with it and they do.
When japan declares war on China, the city is bombed, people are dying all around them, and in defiance, they threw away the tickets that would have taken them to America to meet their husbands. When things get back, and their father either runs off from his debtors or is killed, their mother and them start trying to make their own way to America using the little money their mother stowed away from their father's gambling habit.
Through rape, the death of their mother, and persistence, they finally board a ship to take them to Angel Island, the west's version of Ellis Island. They find out May is pregnant, and not by her 14 year old husband, so while in detainment before being allowed to go home to their husbands, Pearl decides to raise the baby as her own since she had actually had sex with her husband on the wedding night.
If you are looking for a happy life in America, it's not here. If this sounds sad thus far, it only gets worse. It's more of May being terrible and selfish toward her sister, living in a tradition Chinese home with her in laws, her husband, her sister, and her sister's husband who is not only younger, and a very sweet boy, is ill with disease and mentally slow. The daughter that Pearl raises, Joy, is an absolute ingrate towards the end and continues to step all over her mother, and even her good natured and strong father. May is continually selfish being the almost privileged girl in life and blaming her poor sister who has done nothing but sacrificed for her.
If you either understand the culture, both traditionally and the earlier to mid turn of the 20th century or are just one of those people who don't mind being surrounded in misery from first to last page, then I have never read a better book for you. Being I am not, I didn't really enjoy the book on an emotional level, but the story is well written and flows enough to keep you interested and hoping for a better ending that never comes.
Ever.
Going into this review I fully understand I was not raised in the Chinese culture and well, I'm white. I don't understand the reactions of the characters to situations and other characters. That's why while I say this book is the most depressing book I have ever read and I actually sympathize with the character who committed suicide because this book offered little hope and out of all 300 pages or so, you saw 2 paragraphs of happiness and even that was strained.
The book begins with Pearl and May, 2 sisters in Shanghai when they are roughly 18 and 21. Pearl, the oldest, is immediately identified as the lesser sister in their parents eyes having to endure demeaning ridicule and comparison to her younger, prettier, and daintier sister, May. As Pearl is telling this story in first person, you really feel how sad and embarrassed she is of herself. However, through it all, even with her parents obviously favoritism of her sister May, she takes care of her, and protects her, being her jie jie.
In the first few chapters we realize their Baba (father) is a gambling man who lost everything to debtors, even his own daughters in an arranged marriage. Up until then they always thought that unlike their parents, they would be able to marry for love and choose their partner themselves. They meet with Sam and Vern, the two men they will be marrying, which is out of tradition, but they are allowed to meet once before the wedding. Sam is a quiet and handsome man, very caring and mindful, while Vern is naught but 14 and very good at it, even a little less than mature. Pearl is to marry Sam, May is to marry Vern.
A little while later, 17 days, their new husbands to be are due for return from a "business trip" from Hong Kong for the marriage ceremony to take place. They after dodging, and Pearl being in love with another man, realize they have no choice to go through with it and they do.
When japan declares war on China, the city is bombed, people are dying all around them, and in defiance, they threw away the tickets that would have taken them to America to meet their husbands. When things get back, and their father either runs off from his debtors or is killed, their mother and them start trying to make their own way to America using the little money their mother stowed away from their father's gambling habit.
Through rape, the death of their mother, and persistence, they finally board a ship to take them to Angel Island, the west's version of Ellis Island. They find out May is pregnant, and not by her 14 year old husband, so while in detainment before being allowed to go home to their husbands, Pearl decides to raise the baby as her own since she had actually had sex with her husband on the wedding night.
If you are looking for a happy life in America, it's not here. If this sounds sad thus far, it only gets worse. It's more of May being terrible and selfish toward her sister, living in a tradition Chinese home with her in laws, her husband, her sister, and her sister's husband who is not only younger, and a very sweet boy, is ill with disease and mentally slow. The daughter that Pearl raises, Joy, is an absolute ingrate towards the end and continues to step all over her mother, and even her good natured and strong father. May is continually selfish being the almost privileged girl in life and blaming her poor sister who has done nothing but sacrificed for her.
If you either understand the culture, both traditionally and the earlier to mid turn of the 20th century or are just one of those people who don't mind being surrounded in misery from first to last page, then I have never read a better book for you. Being I am not, I didn't really enjoy the book on an emotional level, but the story is well written and flows enough to keep you interested and hoping for a better ending that never comes.
Helpful Score: 1
I picked up this book because I read "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" several years ago. I wasn't disappointed. Although the stories are set in different time periods and locales, See meticulously researched both books and then breathed life into the characters.
The girls of the title are two sisters who flee their home city when it is attacked by the Japanese in 1937. In some ways they are swept along by fate, but they are ultimately survivors. Amid the historical background of World War II and the Cultural Revolution, the sisters struggle with their relationship as much as they struggle with external factors.
I felt that the ending was too abrupt, as if it needed a sequel, and now See has come out with one, that I'm eager to read.
The girls of the title are two sisters who flee their home city when it is attacked by the Japanese in 1937. In some ways they are swept along by fate, but they are ultimately survivors. Amid the historical background of World War II and the Cultural Revolution, the sisters struggle with their relationship as much as they struggle with external factors.
I felt that the ending was too abrupt, as if it needed a sequel, and now See has come out with one, that I'm eager to read.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved all three Lisa See books and can not wait for a new one! Snow flower was my favorite but Shanghai is excellent too! It is a must read if u like Lisa See!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to others, with the caveat that it is not necessarily an uplifting read. It is about a very difficult time in the US for Chinese immigrants and not a lot of positive things happen. It is very well written and you can easily get lost in the story (I also read it in just under two days on vacation). Because of this, I found myself internalizing the conflicts and suffering of the characters, and it definitely got me thinking. I wish I hadn't read it on vacation, really, because it is very good but I really wanted something beachy-er at the time.
Like her previous novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the main theme of this story is really women's relationships in very difficult cultural circumstances. As usual, See does a great job of twining in some mystery and surprises, in a very interesting way that teaches you a lot about the history during this time period. The novel is written in the same, somewhat distant, tone of a first-person narrator (Pearl) that See seems to employ in all her books. This, combined with Pearl's actions, makes you unsure if you're completely on her side, but she is likeable nonetheless. Another main theme of this novel is what it is to be a "modern Chinese woman." It is interesting to watch how deftly See brings this theme to a lot of the women's relationships throughout the novel, particularly for Pearl, who is constantly pulled between modern ideals and ancient Chinese attitudes about cultural norms. Through her eyes you find yourself viewing the Chinese womanhood of her mother (very traditional), sister (very modern) and finally, her very Americanized daughter. Throughout the novel, Pearl is on the very fine line separating modernity and ancient ways, and she constantly struggles with the right path to take.
The story is mostly about two sisters who start life as "Beautiful Girls" (essentially models, but given the conservative Chinese society they live in, this is controversial to their family) in Shanghai. Pretty much immediately their world is shattered when their father announces he has lost all of their money gambling and can only save their family by marrying the two girls off to the sons of a rich American Chinese. At first this doesn't seem terrible, but the sisters are immediately against it, believing they are "modern women" who shouldn't have arranged marriages. The situation just deteriorates from there, as war breaks out, they find out their father's debt is much more serious than described and that they'll be forced to move to the US with their new husbands. Circumstances lead them to end up in the US, despite their wishes, and you watch them go through the immigration process and then end up as very precarious US citizens (there is a lot of interesting detail about how Chinese immigrants came to the US during this time, and the shady paperwork and racist attitudes involved). The story continues through the difficulties presented by WWII, surviving as an outcast and unwanted member of American society, the Korean War and the Red Scare in the 1950s.
I will add one warning -- there is a somewhat graphic depiction of rape during the first part of the novel as the sisters and their mother attempt to escape the Japanese in China. For whatever reason, it really stuck with me for a few days and I found it very disturbing. Perhaps because it is based on what I'm sure was a very real situation for many Chinese women.
Like her previous novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the main theme of this story is really women's relationships in very difficult cultural circumstances. As usual, See does a great job of twining in some mystery and surprises, in a very interesting way that teaches you a lot about the history during this time period. The novel is written in the same, somewhat distant, tone of a first-person narrator (Pearl) that See seems to employ in all her books. This, combined with Pearl's actions, makes you unsure if you're completely on her side, but she is likeable nonetheless. Another main theme of this novel is what it is to be a "modern Chinese woman." It is interesting to watch how deftly See brings this theme to a lot of the women's relationships throughout the novel, particularly for Pearl, who is constantly pulled between modern ideals and ancient Chinese attitudes about cultural norms. Through her eyes you find yourself viewing the Chinese womanhood of her mother (very traditional), sister (very modern) and finally, her very Americanized daughter. Throughout the novel, Pearl is on the very fine line separating modernity and ancient ways, and she constantly struggles with the right path to take.
The story is mostly about two sisters who start life as "Beautiful Girls" (essentially models, but given the conservative Chinese society they live in, this is controversial to their family) in Shanghai. Pretty much immediately their world is shattered when their father announces he has lost all of their money gambling and can only save their family by marrying the two girls off to the sons of a rich American Chinese. At first this doesn't seem terrible, but the sisters are immediately against it, believing they are "modern women" who shouldn't have arranged marriages. The situation just deteriorates from there, as war breaks out, they find out their father's debt is much more serious than described and that they'll be forced to move to the US with their new husbands. Circumstances lead them to end up in the US, despite their wishes, and you watch them go through the immigration process and then end up as very precarious US citizens (there is a lot of interesting detail about how Chinese immigrants came to the US during this time, and the shady paperwork and racist attitudes involved). The story continues through the difficulties presented by WWII, surviving as an outcast and unwanted member of American society, the Korean War and the Red Scare in the 1950s.
I will add one warning -- there is a somewhat graphic depiction of rape during the first part of the novel as the sisters and their mother attempt to escape the Japanese in China. For whatever reason, it really stuck with me for a few days and I found it very disturbing. Perhaps because it is based on what I'm sure was a very real situation for many Chinese women.
Helpful Score: 1
The book is well written, as are all Lisa See's books. Unfortunately, this is just not one of her best. The characters and plot were predictable. One cannot say the book isn't competently composed or structured. It's just dull.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was just okay. But I hated the way it ended.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. Lisa See's prose make the reader feel as if they are in Shanghai. Her understanding of sisters and jealousies is powerful.
Helpful Score: 1
It was a little too graphic for my tastes, but if you can stomach war books this is a great read. Other than the war nature of the book, the only thing I didn't love was the present tense feel. The main character seemed to be telling things exactly how they were happening at the moment rather than letting us feel her emotions. It felt a little disconnected from emotion.
heard the author speak and was impressed...love the series and authenticity of the books.
Really loved this book!
Wonderful tale of the Chinese immigrant experience and the early Los Angeles China Town. So many things reminded me of my own childhood in Los Angeles county, the incinerators near the clothes line, the clothing and hair styles. Everything painted a wonderful picture for me.
Loved this book! One of the few I didn't rush through because I wanted to linger over all the rich history.
Anne Todd O. (forestguardian) reviewed Shanghai Girls (May and Pearl, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
Lisa See covers chinese women's experience from the 19th through the 20th century in the three books I've read so far: Secret fan Peony in Love and Shanghai Girls. LA in the 1930s was a revelation. Can't wait to read another.
I agree with another reader who was very dissapointed in the abrupt ending of this book. I had listened to it on audio and went back to my computer to see if I had missed dowloading part 3, but there was no part 3! It just ended!! Maybe the author is planning a sequel or couldnt decide how to end the story, but it was a big dissapointment. The story was interesting up to that point, she writes well but this book does not compare to Snowflower and the Secret Fan.
Fantastic reading, the story flows and keeps you interested. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but the book was definatley worth reading!
Excellent book. The best I've read in a long time.
A friend recommended I read this book, and now I am wondering what in the world I am going to say to her. I agree with the other reviewers who mentioned the abrupt ending. I was left wondering if perhaps the author had to wrap it up fast to meet a deadline or something. Call me too desirous of a happy ending if you like, but I felt the characters deserved some sort of happier resolution than what happened, except possibly for May who really needed to get more of what ought to have been coming to her considering her selfishness and belief she knew best for everyone. The Joy character's end of story actions were immature and illogical on multiple fronts, not to mention potentially impossible. I kept reading in the hope that it was going to get better, but while See writes well, I really did not enjoy this book.
Shanghai Girls (Lisa See)
Sisters Pearl and May are beautiful girls in Shanghai, posing for artists, having their portraits on calendars and advertisements,living the good life. Their father is a prosperous businessman owning a rickshaw business. They ignore the death and destruction around them, they have everything they could possibly need.
Eventually their happy worlds come to an end. Their father loses everything in gambling debts and the sisters are then forced into arranged marriages to Chinese (men) living in America. They end up on Angel Island off San Fransisco, and embark on a life in America. Once there they find they are not the "Princesses, Pretty Girls" they were in China. The find prejudice , poverty and segregation.
I did like the story line, but I had a hard time liking some of the main characters. A little too much selfishness (for my liking). I have no problems with characters who are "flawed" and not perfect, but I just did not particularly like one of them. I also was very disappointed in the ending. To me it felt unfinished...it left me hanging...it felt like the book just stopped, and the last few pages were missing.
Overall, I did enjoy learning of Chinese culture, and the hardships (Book set 1937-1957). I did like the story line. I would like to check out other books by Lisa See.
Sisters Pearl and May are beautiful girls in Shanghai, posing for artists, having their portraits on calendars and advertisements,living the good life. Their father is a prosperous businessman owning a rickshaw business. They ignore the death and destruction around them, they have everything they could possibly need.
Eventually their happy worlds come to an end. Their father loses everything in gambling debts and the sisters are then forced into arranged marriages to Chinese (men) living in America. They end up on Angel Island off San Fransisco, and embark on a life in America. Once there they find they are not the "Princesses, Pretty Girls" they were in China. The find prejudice , poverty and segregation.
I did like the story line, but I had a hard time liking some of the main characters. A little too much selfishness (for my liking). I have no problems with characters who are "flawed" and not perfect, but I just did not particularly like one of them. I also was very disappointed in the ending. To me it felt unfinished...it left me hanging...it felt like the book just stopped, and the last few pages were missing.
Overall, I did enjoy learning of Chinese culture, and the hardships (Book set 1937-1957). I did like the story line. I would like to check out other books by Lisa See.
This is about the bonds of sisterhood and the psychological journey of becoming American.
This historical fiction is during 1937 when Japan bombed Shanghai.
These two Chinese sisters are married off by their father. They have to move to America where their husbands live.
And so the Chinese immigrants experience is seen in a moving story
This historical fiction is during 1937 when Japan bombed Shanghai.
These two Chinese sisters are married off by their father. They have to move to America where their husbands live.
And so the Chinese immigrants experience is seen in a moving story
This is a well done historical novel about 2 sisters living in Shanghai and then Los Angeles -- it is about China and the US from the late 30's thru the 50's encompassing China and its invasion by the Japanese and the immigration of the Chinese to the US and their treatment by the United States on a personal and political level. I am always amazed at how much US history is left out by our educational system.
I took this book on vacation with me. It was a good and interesting read. I learned a lot about Chinese culture and about the social conditions in that time and place.
This wasn't my favorite book from Lisa See, but it was still good. I thought it was interesting how she described the hardships these girls saw in the beginning vs how she described things in the end. It did a very good job of showing how the attitude shifted and how they grew up.
In recent memory, there aren't many books in which I truly dislike the main characters. I finished it only because Lisa See is a good writer, and I needed the background for the sequel which I will read next. These girls sounded more like spoiled brats from a more modern era. In fact, they have no empathy for any of their fellow countrymen living in abject poverty, nor are they aware of others' difficulties. Since they themselves were rich, they were immune from any reality. It isn't until they are thrown into brutal war that they feel anything for anyone. Even then, as they assimilate into America, I could not appreciate their attitudes. It took more than two hundred pages before I felt any sympathy for them. I hope the sequel will be better. D.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Shanghai Girls (May and Pearl, Bk 1) on + 628 more book reviews
Excellent look at Chinese cultural traditions. Well written.
I loved this book! A story of true friendship that is wonderful to be a part of!
Catherine R. (cr-graphicdesign) reviewed Shanghai Girls (May and Pearl, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
This was an great book, I did not want to put the book down. Very compelling story, I just wish there was a book to follow up the rest of the story.
Pearl and May are beautiful girls in Shanghai who are forced into arranged marriages when their father gambles all the family's money away. They travel to California, where they must start new lives with their husbands and new family. The women find out pretty quickly that life in America isn't easy and as they struggle, their relationship is put to the test.
I love Lisa See's work. I could not put this book down. I got lost in the story and the characters. The best books are the ones that take you into a different world. I had really strong feelings about May during the story and towards the end, when May talks about events from her point of view, it really made me think about perspective. I also loved the historical fiction aspect of the book. I will definitely be picking up the sequel.
Read this if you like: historical fiction or authors similar to Amy Tan
If you liked this book: I recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.
I love Lisa See's work. I could not put this book down. I got lost in the story and the characters. The best books are the ones that take you into a different world. I had really strong feelings about May during the story and towards the end, when May talks about events from her point of view, it really made me think about perspective. I also loved the historical fiction aspect of the book. I will definitely be picking up the sequel.
Read this if you like: historical fiction or authors similar to Amy Tan
If you liked this book: I recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.
A trip through time and geography for the readers while engrossed in this book. Pearl and May are two sisters who have a comfortably padded lifestyle in Shanghai back in the late 1930's before war strikes their city. By following Pearl's life through her eyes we see the tragic ups and downs of an alien traveling to the United States of America for a better life. Highly recommended read!
Very good book; thoroughly enjoyed the historical information about Shanghai and America's immigration. I was a little disappointed in the ending, but still enjoyed it. Thought it could have been carried a little further to tie up loose ends.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See got thumbs-up from our book club. Growing up in Shanghai, May and Pearl Chin are both models for Z.G. Li, a painter and photographer, whom they both fall in love with. As beautiful girls, the sisters live a life of parties and glamour until their father loses the family fortune and sells the girls to prospective husbands. The girls refuse and during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai in 1937, they attempt to cross the countryside to make their escape. Along the way they have a horrific encounter with Japanese soldiers. Brace yourself. Its a disturbing scene thats not for the faint of heart.
Eventually they make it to America and are interned at Angel Island for a long time. In order to stay in America, the sisters marry the Louie brothers who are strangers to them. In Los Angeles Chinatown, under one roof they find that life is very challenging with racial and financial struggles. Slowly they assimilate to their new family and carve out very different lives. Pearl is the responsible one. She and her husband raise baby Joy while still meeting the familial obligations to Louies parents. Mays new husband is mentally impaired, very childlike, and she seeks out a more self-centered lifestyle.
The book is fast paced enough, but at the very end, hang on for a ride, because it goes at warp speed. Theres a lot going on with when now grown-up daughter, Joy, discovers past cover-ups and lies, false family ties, and the identity of her real parents. It ends with Joy running off to communist China. At that point our book club smelled a sequel, and sure enough a couple years later Dreams of Joy was published. Read other reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com
Eventually they make it to America and are interned at Angel Island for a long time. In order to stay in America, the sisters marry the Louie brothers who are strangers to them. In Los Angeles Chinatown, under one roof they find that life is very challenging with racial and financial struggles. Slowly they assimilate to their new family and carve out very different lives. Pearl is the responsible one. She and her husband raise baby Joy while still meeting the familial obligations to Louies parents. Mays new husband is mentally impaired, very childlike, and she seeks out a more self-centered lifestyle.
The book is fast paced enough, but at the very end, hang on for a ride, because it goes at warp speed. Theres a lot going on with when now grown-up daughter, Joy, discovers past cover-ups and lies, false family ties, and the identity of her real parents. It ends with Joy running off to communist China. At that point our book club smelled a sequel, and sure enough a couple years later Dreams of Joy was published. Read other reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com
Prewar to post war China as lived by two beautiful girls.
I have a soft spot for Asian stories set in the early 1900's. This one did not disappoint with intense emotions and situations. I could easily picture all of the characters and cried several times throughout the book. Lovely story.
This book is the story of two sisters and their lives before and after the Communist takeover of China and the way their family was devastated by it. From their forced marriages and their attempts to escape the violence that takes place in their city of Shanghai we see the strength of character and courage of the two girls who manage to survive.
The author gives a very vivid and eye-opening view of that period of Chinese history as well as the customs and attitudes of the Chinese people.
The author gives a very vivid and eye-opening view of that period of Chinese history as well as the customs and attitudes of the Chinese people.
I enjoyed this book. I love stories of Asia and this one gave me a view of a life now lost.
Formulaic. Depressing and lacking depth. In addition, the author has seen fit to split the story into a 2nd book.
Jennifer A. (curvymommy) -
Many of my friends have recommended (more like insisted!) that I read Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but I have just not had a chance to get to it yet. But when I read the description for her new novel, I knew I didn't want to wait to read it. It was everything I was expecting - a wonderful story that drew me in from the very beginning!
The story of Pearl and her younger sister May starts in 1930s Shanghai. The descriptions of the city and the sisters' lifestyle are vivid and enthralling. I really felt like I was there. After the girls' father gambles away his livelihood, the two sisters are forced to marry to help settle their father's debt. But it's not that simple. When the Japanese attack China, everything changes and the girls struggle to leave the country. Their journey out of China is heartwrenching and I found it hard to put the book down.
Arriving in San Francisco, the girls find that not everything is what they thought it was, and they spend months in detainment before they are allowed into the country. They finally arrive in Los Angeles Chinatown, and realize that their lives will never be the same again.
The main focus of the story is the relationship between the two sisters, and the constant pull between their old life in China and their new life in Los Angeles. I found the descriptions of how the Chinese were treated before, during, and after WWII to be both supremely interesting and sad. Having lived in the Los Angeles area my entire life, I now have an even greater appreciation for the Chinese who worked so hard and overcame so much to make their new lives in America.
The ending definitely left me wanting more! I can only hope that there is a sequel in the works, because I want to know what happens next!
I devoured this book in only a few days (I work full-time and have 3 little boys, so that is no small feat!), because I couldn't stop reading it. I highly recommend it! And you can be sure I won't wait much longer to read this author's other novels.
The story of Pearl and her younger sister May starts in 1930s Shanghai. The descriptions of the city and the sisters' lifestyle are vivid and enthralling. I really felt like I was there. After the girls' father gambles away his livelihood, the two sisters are forced to marry to help settle their father's debt. But it's not that simple. When the Japanese attack China, everything changes and the girls struggle to leave the country. Their journey out of China is heartwrenching and I found it hard to put the book down.
Arriving in San Francisco, the girls find that not everything is what they thought it was, and they spend months in detainment before they are allowed into the country. They finally arrive in Los Angeles Chinatown, and realize that their lives will never be the same again.
The main focus of the story is the relationship between the two sisters, and the constant pull between their old life in China and their new life in Los Angeles. I found the descriptions of how the Chinese were treated before, during, and after WWII to be both supremely interesting and sad. Having lived in the Los Angeles area my entire life, I now have an even greater appreciation for the Chinese who worked so hard and overcame so much to make their new lives in America.
The ending definitely left me wanting more! I can only hope that there is a sequel in the works, because I want to know what happens next!
I devoured this book in only a few days (I work full-time and have 3 little boys, so that is no small feat!), because I couldn't stop reading it. I highly recommend it! And you can be sure I won't wait much longer to read this author's other novels.
I learned alot in this book about early Chinese immigration issues. The story was engaging enough to have me finish the book and I remember pretty well much of what I read. At times, however, it seemed somewhat formulaic - I was a little bored and wishing for writing that was more engaging. All in all, I'm glad I read this book for the things I learned but it wasnt' a page turner, as they say.
Lisa See has re-defined a time period and people in such a way that I felt I was living through it all.
great story
very nice historical fiction 2013
Very entertaining and interesting novel.
I read SHANGHAI GIRLS with a buddy in my online book club, The Reading Cove, and I didn't enjoy this story the way I did SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN. From top to bottom the narrative felt flat, flavorless, and lacking in color.
The main characters, sisters May and Pearl, just weren't as endearing, despite the depth and complexity of their characters and the tumultuous times and experiences they lived through. But although I never really connected with them, I couldn't go so far as to claim complete disinterest in the narrative, which was exclusively from Pearl's POV.
I also found certain plot points almost painfully predictable. One in particular was held in abeyance for what turned into a pretty anti-climactic crescendo. Stevie Wonder could've seen that "secret" from the opening chapters of the story! Yet the narrative treated it like some epic reveal, which just watered down the plot for me.
The end clearly sets up the sequel and sort of leaves the reader hanging, but as I said, I never became engaged enough with these characters to want to read a whole other book about them. I'd rather spend that time reading something else.
With all that said, I am still a fan of Lisa See for the honesty and emotional truth she brings to her characters' interpersonal relationships, so I'm definitely open to reading more of her books in the future. I rate SHANGHAI GIRLS a B-/C+.
The main characters, sisters May and Pearl, just weren't as endearing, despite the depth and complexity of their characters and the tumultuous times and experiences they lived through. But although I never really connected with them, I couldn't go so far as to claim complete disinterest in the narrative, which was exclusively from Pearl's POV.
I also found certain plot points almost painfully predictable. One in particular was held in abeyance for what turned into a pretty anti-climactic crescendo. Stevie Wonder could've seen that "secret" from the opening chapters of the story! Yet the narrative treated it like some epic reveal, which just watered down the plot for me.
The end clearly sets up the sequel and sort of leaves the reader hanging, but as I said, I never became engaged enough with these characters to want to read a whole other book about them. I'd rather spend that time reading something else.
With all that said, I am still a fan of Lisa See for the honesty and emotional truth she brings to her characters' interpersonal relationships, so I'm definitely open to reading more of her books in the future. I rate SHANGHAI GIRLS a B-/C+.
An awesome read. It tugs the heart as the reader follows Pearl and May from their sheltered spoiled life in Shanghai to America where they begin life with their husbands through arranged marriage. However, as the Japanese or "Monkey people" as they are referred to by the sisters invade China they must flee for their lives leaving behind the beautiful girl image that they had earned. Brutally raped by the invading soldiers, Pearl and her mother deflect attention from the younger May. The sisters survive but May must protect Pearl whose injuries limit her ability to flee. Pearl remembers little of the trip but the brutality of the experience makes it difficult for her to have any man touch her. In addition, life in the U.S. is not what they expected nor what their father had described. This reader empathized with the experiences of the sisters as they began new lives in a new land and the impersonal and often cruel process of people as they went through the immigration process. Very good read that I rate highly.
FANTASTIC AND VERY, VERY HISTORICALLY INFORMATIVE.
