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What Members Thought
I was undecided if I wanted to read this book since I wasn't that impressed with Shanghai Girls. I studied some Chinese history while in college, so I knew some of the horrors of the Mao era. But this book really put it in perspective for me even if it's historical fiction. There were scenes in the book that made my stomach turn and if it had been a movie, I would have had to look away. I couldn't put Dreams of Joy down and even ended up staying up till 2 AM to finish it. My only complaint is th
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Interesting - and scary - look at life in China in the late '50s. Made me want to go read more about Chinese history from that period. The plot is rather contrived, which doesn't go well with the historical background. Still, I particularly liked the mother (Pearl)and found most of the characters intersting, if not appealing. I'd give it 3.5 stars if that was an option.
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This sequel to Shanghai Girls was not as good as its predecessor - but it was pretty good. I did enjoy knowing the rest of the story of Joy. I do not know much at all about Chinese history of the late 40s and early 50s during the revolution and rise of communism but this book made it very interesting and I am eager to learn more. All in all, I'd recommend reading it because you just have to know how things turn out after Joy runs away to China.
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Dec 22, 2011
Deedee
marked it as to-read
Jan 10, 2016
Jocelyn
marked it as to-read
May 05, 2017
gremlinkitten
marked it as to-read-own
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review of another edition
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