Shanghai Girls (Shanghai Girls, #1) in Ask Lisa See!

Nov 14, 2010 Shomeret rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, my-reviews

The character I liked best was Sam who really did the best he could given his background. I wanted to like Pearl, but I think her sister was right when she accused Pearl of being too passive. Yes, she had horrifying experiences, but since it was emphasized from the beginning that Pearl was a Dragon, according to Chinese astrology, I expected more from her. I liked the Chinese folklore content. It's strange that there are no Chinese characters in this novel that are shown to be Buddhists. The rel ...more

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May 30, 2009 Mary rated it it was amazing

This book takes you places you have never been before, so vividly that you think you are there. The story opens in pre-war Shanghai where two beautiful sisters live a life of pretty Western dresses, modeling, and parties in a glamorous city. Next, they endure horrible experiences when the Japanese invade Shanghai, and eventually reach Los Angeles' China Town as purchased brides.
The love between the sisters, coupled with sibling rivalry and secrets keeps you turning the pages. At the same time yo ...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Bobby rated it it was amazing

It is evident that all of Lisa See's writings are well researched, but as an author, she goes beyond. One gets a feel and a sense of time and place beyond mere events to trigger a story line. Reading a novel by Lisa See means a gained understanding, both with the joy of appreciation and the heart ache in pure existence. Shanghai girls is utterly amazing in it's use of first Shanghai at the time of the Japanese invasion, and then the United States during the build of World War II, and the existen It is evident that all of Lisa See's writings are well researched, but as an author, she goes beyond. One gets a feel and a sense of time and place beyond mere events to trigger a story line. Reading a novel by Lisa See means a gained understanding, both with the joy of appreciation and the heart ache in pure existence. Shanghai girls is utterly amazing in it's use of first Shanghai at the time of the Japanese invasion, and then the United States during the build of World War II, and the existence of China City in Los Angeles, as more than setting, but essential "character" in her story. I absolutely love the way she handles descriptions naturally as part of the storyline rather than as separate narrative used by most authors. More than a story of time and place, this is a story of family, and in particular, one woman experiencing family. I became immediately tangled with Pearl Chin, the protagonist, in Shanghai Girls. My heart ached for her so much that I couldn't see beyond her feelings when reading the novel, and couldn't understand when she calmed herself and could rationally evaluate situations, because I was still reeling in strong emotion. My reaction is pure evidence of a wonderfully written novel.

In yet another amazing novel by author, Lisa See, I find character to be honest and true to human experience. While Pearl's experience are unique, and definitely novel worthy, she also experiences the day to day existence so common to all of us. I find her story is particularly true to the life cycle of women at the time of the story, and in many ways, a woman of the next generation, as well. She lives through a horrific crisis and then, more importantly, survives the day to day struggle of being a wife and mother striving to meet the basic necessities of daily life for herself and her family. Like many of us, she must stop to notice all that is good in her life and her blessings, because her burdens often seem insurmountable. She is a strong woman, with integrity to her own personal ethics and beliefs, which ultimately makes her a true success in all that truly matters. Nonetheless, this success does not make life easy, and she remains surrounded by others without the same integrity or with varied values, and must also deal with the result. The relationships are so real, and the development of her daughter and her behaviors at various stages are also real. Indeed, although an immigrant who does not officially gain US citizenship due to her fears, Pearl utterly defines the American experience of a woman of her time, working to keep food on the table, to please those around her and meet their needs, to be a good wife, and to raise her child well and responsibly, and then ultimately to own a home and make it a comforting place to live.

I loved reading this novel. I was so engaged and involved, then it took time to unravel, to put aside the emotion and experience the novel from my own eyes rather than those of the protagonist. I found so much in this novel to make me rich.

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Feb 19, 2009 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

I've never finished a book and had the privilege of attending the author event on the same day! It was amazing to see Lisa See and hear more about this wonderful book. I have to say it is my favorite of hers. Snow Flower was wonderful, but this is definitely in the same league! It's a beautifully crafted story and very relateable. For the "Sisters of your Heart" as Lisa said last night. Enjoy it! ...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Helen Thompson rated it really liked it

Our book club us currently reading the sequel to Shanghai Girls, so i thought it would be a good idea to read this one first. The book opens just before World War Two begins. Pearl and Mae are sisters living privileged lives in Shanghai. The story sees them through great loss in Shanghai to new beginnings in the United States. This one leaves you wanting more from the sisters.

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Feb 20, 2010 Pat rated it liked it

I found Snow Flower and the Secret Fan an absolutely riveting book and so when I cam across Shanghai Girls by the same author I had to read it. It was a good read but IMHO not as good as SF&TSC.

It was another of those stories however, that give you pause about how America treats immigrants and it really captured all that "Communism" fear so rampant at the time. ...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Efe rated it liked it

It was going so well...but then I was hugely disappointed by the end. It just didn't seem remotely plausible to me. I may be compelled to up my rating after I get round to reading Dreams of Joy. ...more

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