NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A gifted writer . . . explores the bonds of sisterhood while powerfully evoking the often nightmarish American immigrant experience.”—USA TodayBONUS: This edition contains a Shanghai Girls discussion guide and an excerpt from Lisa See’s Dreams of Joy.In 1937, Shanghai is the Paris of Asia, a city of great wealth and glamour, the home of millionaires and beggars, … wealth and glamour, the home of millionaires and beggars, gangsters and gamblers, patriots and revolutionaries, artists and warlords. Thanks to the financial security and material comforts provided by their father’s prosperous rickshaw business, twenty-one-year-old Pearl Chin and her younger sister, May, are having the time of their lives. Though both sisters wave off authority and tradition, they couldn’t be more different: Pearl is a Dragon sign, strong and stubborn, while May is a true Sheep, adorable and placid. Both are beautiful, modern, and carefree . . . until the day their father tells them that he has gambled away their wealth and that in order to repay his debts he must sell the girls as wives to suitors who have traveled from California to find Chinese brides.
As Japanese bombs fall on their beloved city, Pearl and May set out on the journey of a lifetime, one that will take them through the Chinese countryside, in and out of the clutch of brutal soldiers, and across the Pacific to the shores of America. In Los Angeles they begin a fresh chapter, trying to find love with the strangers they have married, brushing against the seduction of Hollywood, and striving to embrace American life even as they fight against discrimination, brave Communist witch hunts, and find themselves hemmed in by Chinatown’s old ways and rules.
At its heart, Shanghai Girls is a story of sisters: Pearl and May are inseparable best friends who share hopes, dreams, and a deep connection, but like sisters everywhere they also harbor petty jealousies and rivalries. They love each other, but each knows exactly where to drive the knife to hurt the other the most. Along the way they face terrible sacrifices, make impossible choices, and confront a devastating, life-changing secret, but through it all the two heroines of this astounding new novel hold fast to who they are: Shanghai girls.
Praise for Shanghai Girls
“A buoyant and lustrous paean to the bonds of sisterhood.”–Booklist
“A rich work . . . as compulsively readable as it is an enlightening journey.”—Denver Post
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I love historical fiction! This book is so interesting. I read it in 2days and the sequel is even better.
A good discription of Chinese culture and the discrimination they faced when they immigrated to the USA recommend for people who like books taking place during WW II
Made me want to read more by this author.
I thought the characters acted really stupid when given the opportunity to be resourceful. Not crazy for the ending and lots of sadness which is probably indicative of the times. However, it did keep me reading it and it’s sequel – complete judgement out til I read that.
I found the girls lack of caring or understanding in their youth to not be realistic. They do grow up and quickly. I enjoyed the book, it gave me a better understanding of the plight of the Chinese in this country.
This is one of my favorite books. I couldn’t put it down. So interesting to learn about a different culture and feel like you know the characters.
This was a wonderful book. It takes you from Shanghai to what it was like to be Chinese in America – all in the midst of sister love and family ties.
I’m reading this book now and am almost finished. It’s been a very good read. Sad and happy, frightening and beautiful. A wonderful story beginning in China and ending in America.
Historical fiction is my favorite. In this book (one of two) I learned about Chinese customs during 1939. Fascinating and well written.
Good book. Not See’s best, but interesting and good story!
One of the best books I have read in many years. It took me to a place, a culture and a history I knew nothing about and did it in such a way that I never felt I was just reading. I was immediately immersed in the experience and quickly felt as if I’d known the “girls” for years. I was delighted when I learned there was a sequel, Joy’s Dream. …
Complete waste of time. I had to put it down with only 10% left to read. It just became too predictable.
i thought this book was great. I learned a lot about the Shanghai Girls that I didn’t really know much about.
One of my favorite books ever — great story of family, love, and growing up in America
An excellent read. Shanghai Girls is a wonderful, yet sad story. Very realistic and paints a good picture of pre and post war life both in China and America.