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Book Review of China Dolls: A Novel

China Dolls: A Novel
China Dolls: A Novel
Author: Lisa See
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
alterlisa avatar reviewed on + 335 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


This is the first Lisa See book I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed both the San Francisco setting and pre-WWII era. I knew very little about the treatment of either the Chinese or Japanese before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I've got to admit it was a real eye opener. The references to articles in Time and Life magazine on how to tell the difference between a Chinese or Jap was truly horrifying as were the request for licenses to hunt Japs.
I loved the period details about the songs, TV programs, movies and actors. Reading about the World's Fair on Treasure Island and visiting the nightclub, Forbidden City, was enlightening. It was fascinating seeing the changes in the lives of women during this period of time.
Despite the fact that the story is told from three different POVs, something I hate and normally refuse to read, I read nonstop to the end barely taking the time to stop and eat.