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Comments (39)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 39 items
Jan 25, 2022sheba9898 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is the second historical novel I've read from this very talented author. Her books are entertaining, easy to read, yet provide such insight into the Chinese mind, ways, and culture, particularly as they apply to women and their place…
Dec 21, 2020PDBurt rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
What a nice book, a paperback easy to hold with 309 smooth edged pages. The story within is such an excellent piece of 20th century history, well paced about these two sisters and the lives of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. I learned a lot…
Nov 19, 2020
All her books are excellent
Jun 06, 2020
it made me cry the first time i read it.
Aug 05, 2017miaone rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
This could have been a good book, as it covers an important segment of history. Alas, it does so in such a superficial manner that I could not identify with or empathize with any of the characters. The plot was predictable. It did not…
Jan 11, 2017CarolAnne782 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Overall great book. Incredible depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships, an intriguing plot full of historical accuracies (and inaccuracies, but hey, this is fiction), and a spell-binding tale of Chinese-American…
Jul 05, 2016ninigirl rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I did not know there was a sequel to this book so when I finished it I was so disappointed with the ending. Little did I know there was a continuation. Loved the story and enjoyed the interesting characters. Could not put the book down.
Last_Nights_Readings
Mar 16, 2016Last_Nights_Readings rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I love this book, it was like a dumpling for my reading soul. It was hot enough to keep me wanting to read it all the time, and delicious in content to keep my mind in it. I thoroughly enjoy the book and was surprise with it being the…
Jul 30, 2015
From our 2015 #80DayRead Summer Reading Club traveler Mallee: The story of two sisters trying to survive during turbulent times in China.
Apr 16, 2015gusmcrae rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An enjoyable read that looks at what life is like in pre- and post-WWII America for Chinese sisters Pearl and May. It's hard to imagine how horribly immigrants were treated in this country, but this story captures that experience, as well…
Mar 15, 2015DanglingConversations rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The first few chapters are deceptively frivolous, like the sisters themselves, stepping over bodies to go dancing and pose a beautiful people. The horror of real war and the sacrifice of their apparently shallow mother lures the reader…
Feb 03, 2015kozakd rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A study in contrast of the Shanghai life and American life of two sisters who manage to carve very different lives for themselves. The story gives s different twist on the idea that blood is thicker than water.
Oct 14, 2014kakacurt rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Great "study" of China, Chinese culture and two girls in difficult times.
Sep 30, 2014miaone rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
The beginning of the novel has some depth, I thought, but after the move to the US, the book becomes superficial and the characters are shallow.
Sep 17, 2014WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sisters Pearl and May work as models --“beautiful girls” -- in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai just before World War II. Their carefree life is shattered when their father, bankrupt from gambling debts, sells the girls to a Chinese…
Aug 21, 2014kindrabirss rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really love Lisa See's books and this one was no exception. Full of tragedy, loss and rebuilding, I love how Lisa creates characters that you really care for and are invested in. You must read Dreams of Joy after this.
Feb 06, 2014ABenoit rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I liked it. It was a good story and i even learned a little chinese. I look forward to any future works from Mrs. See.
May 31, 2013finn75 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Great historical fiction. Examines an episode in Chinese history through the eyes of two well off Chinese sisters. They move from comfort to danger and poverty when war breaks out. Then they have to shift to a strange country to marry two…
Jan 21, 2013friendlyfaceca rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Eye opening. Excellent. Must continue with Dreams of Joy.
Aug 07, 2012angelstr2188 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Overall this was a great book. The author takes you through the hardships of the time period for those living in China. The journey for both the main characters is eye opening along with the way immigrants are treated once they get to the…
Jul 18, 2012healice rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The beginning was a little slow to me. But once you get into it, it's fantastic and you can't put it down.
Jun 20, 2012
Loved this book, it was a fantastic read.
mrsgail5756
Jun 20, 2012mrsgail5756 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A++ All the way….A must have Book in all Libraries - worth the long library wait and WORTH the cost of owing! I would recommend this movie for all to see.
Apr 12, 2012azor rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book as much if not more than Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It begins in 1937 during the invasion of Shanghi by the Japanese. The movie "The Flowers of War" dipicts events in Nanking at the same time, So it was a good…
Opal1678
Mar 08, 2012Opal1678 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
great book but the didn't like the ending. Great portrayal of a bond between sisters during different circumstances.