Author: Lisa See
Genre: Historical Fiction, #1
Published: 2009
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Yearly Count: 41
Growing up comfortably in Shanghai, two sisters - Pearl and May, discover at the age of 21 and 18, that their life, as they know it, has come to an end. Unbeknownst to them, a father and his two sons have travelled from Los Angeles to Shanghai for their arranged marriages. (There is so much more in this book, but that's the crux of the story.)
I devoured the first half, then made a conscious decision to slow down, so I could relish my experience on this journey. Not only was Shanghai Girls filled with great characters, but the plot held great importance and intrigue. I was swept up in the unfamiliar culture in every chapter, being able to visualize it all. The characters, the plot and the setting were all blended seamlessly.
Lisa See delivers historical fiction through such a smooth and interesting story that you don't even realize how much you are truly learning about time and place. I've never been a history buff, but it's books like this that encourage me to learn more.
Thanks to The Random House Publishing Group for sending me this ARC. It will be available May 26, 2009.
Also received by Library Thing's Early Reviewers program and has gone to a good home.
Glad to see another favorable review! I just found out I'll be getting it from LT early reviewers. Yay!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see that you enjoyed this book. I have it to review as well. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMary ~ Me, too. :) I already know who I'm going to give it to.
ReplyDeleteDiane ~ I really liked it. I look forward to reading your review.
I can't wait to read this!! I don't think I can adequately express how much I loved Snow Flower. It's always a good sign when you have to force yourself to slow down so you can relish the book. I'm putting this on my TBR list right now!
ReplyDeleteWhat an eloquent review Joy! For me, that is the sign of a great book when you have to slow down to savor the journey! I can't wait to read this, I have it waiting TBR and won an extra copy through LT Early reviewers.
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of this on my stacks so I skimmed a bit, but I'm glad to see you enjoyed it so much!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked this!! I just got it in the mail this week and am looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed Lisa See's last two books so I am very much looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to reading this one. I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
ReplyDeleteCassie ~ It's more current than Snow Flower, but it hit me in the right spot. :) I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteBonnie ~ I really did devour the first half and loved learning about the time period.
Bookfool ~ One of those books that had good timing. :) In other words, I was in the right mood. lol
3M ~ I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Marg ~ I still need to read Peony in Love.
Literary Feline ~ There are some minor similarities, but for the most part - new era, new challenges.
Nice review Joy. I haven't seen a bad one for this yet. For some reason I never did get my hands on an copy sadly. I have her other two so of course I'll be getting this one too. I'm glad you liked it so much.
ReplyDeleteI've got this one on my review shelf so I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of See's books, but boy do you make me want to get a copy of this one ASAP. I actually have Snowflower in my stacks, but have been waiting for all the hype to die down. Guess maybe it's time, huh?
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Joy. I'm sold!
I liked Snow Flower but I didn't love it and have kind of been iffy on whether or not I want to read any of her others. You've definitely convinced me I need to give this one a second look when it comes out. Sometimes I have to force myself to slow down a little with books that I'm devouring.
ReplyDeletei'm looking forward to this one. i'm glad to hear you liked it so much.
ReplyDeleteDar ~ I think her books are worth a read. I hope you enjoy them, Dar.
ReplyDeleteS. Krishna ~ There are some ARCs that I'm just so glad I received - this is one of them.
Les ~ Whenever you're ready, Les. :) I was impressed with the balance of characters and plot, so those that like either should enjoy this one - somewhat anyway.
Trish ~ I rated Snow Flower a 4/5, so I thought it was very good. This one kept me turning the pages, so that's a win for me. Like a few other fiction books I've read lately, it has a lot of truth to it (research), and I always appreciate that. FYI - there is a portion that relates to the internment.
Alisonwonderland ~ I hope you and others enjoy it as much as I did. I think See did a great job.
I have seen this book around blogland, so I am glad to read another review. it does makes me want to read it :D
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd ~ If you have read any of Lisa See's books, you should like this one, too.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ You have a very good read ahead of you! (imho)
I'm really looking forward to this book. So far all reviews I've read about it sound great!
ReplyDeleteIliana ~ It's a good one. I hope you find it to be a winner, too.
ReplyDeleteI skimmed your review because I'm reading this now and I LOVE it. Snow Flower is one of my top 5 all time favorite books. I'll be seeing Lisa See in person in a couple of weeks at the LA Times Fest. of Books (so excited). I hope to get some pictures and put them up on my blog!
ReplyDeleteLisaMM ~ I understand about the skimming - I do that myself. :) And, how exciting that you will be seeing Lisa See in person! I'm sure the Festival of Books will be a treasured memory for you. I'll be keeping my eyes open for your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI've never read anything by this author but she is on my TBR list. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this one so much and of course I'm adding it to my TBR. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJoy, I felt the same way about learning more about this subject after finishing the book. I'd definitely read some non-fictional accounts of the era. See did a wonderful job of telling the story. I really liked it!
ReplyDeleteOne more thing, I thought the book ended when there was a lot more story to be told. Pearl was at the airport waiting to go back to Shanghai in search of her daughter/niece. What did you think?
ReplyDeleteSamantha.1020 ~ I've read 2 out of 3, but I'm thinking all her books are probably very good. Pick any one! :)
ReplyDeleteMary ~ I think there is definitley room for a sequel. :)
I'm happy to read a review of this book by Lisa See. Snow Flower was one of my favorite books I've read in years, but then I really rather disliked Peony in Love.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look this up in the library and give See another chance.
BTW, I found you via Danielle Batog's blog. :)
Heidi ~ I'm so glad you stopped by and left a comment! Welcome! :) I have Peony in Love on my TBR Shelf and hope to read it - someday. I don't remember what others thought of it when it came out, but I hope I like it. Let me know after you have read it. I'd love to know what you thought. Stop by anytime. :)
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