May and Pearl grew up in Shanghai and came to America as young adults. That's about as far as this book relates to Young Adult reading. I really like the story about these two sisters living and gowing older in LA. I was struck by China City and wonder what stands there now as I don't recall seeing it.
I like the loyalty to family and the sense of pride and shame that comes through in See's writing. I particulary enjoyed the end where Pearl and May fight following Sam's death about who was more loved and who did what. This is such a real conflict among siblings, even between my sister and me.
In the past four years, I have lost five members of my family. It is not lost on me the stories that come through the remembrances of these family members by their siblings, their children, and their parents. I enjoy the stories but have to keep in mind that this is one truth of many and that all the stories are colored by the relationship(s) and attitudes of the story-teller.
As I read Shanghai Girls I found myself wondering about what was happening with the other characters.
This is a good read for a strong reader who is interested in historical fiction.