Shanghai Girls
by Lisa See
Random House, 2009
336 pages
*I borrowed this book from the library.
Summary: Two sisters, June and May, living in Shanghai are sold into marriage to settle their father's gambling debts. As war breaks out in the area, the girls struggle to make their way to America where their new husbands await them. Through Angel's Island and then the streets of Los Angeles, June and May each carve out their own lives in a country they try to make home.
Review: This is a fantastic book. The writing flows so well, the story is engrossing, and the characters are so wonderfully developed. The plot balances nicely between sections of war and tragedy and quiet moments between the sisters where their true personalities and destinies are revealed. My only disappointment was the ending, which for spoiler reasons I will not discuss here. Rating: ****1/2 out of 5.
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12 comments:
I agree the ending was abrupt, but there is going to be a sequel!
I thought this was a well-written book. It was wonderfully descriptive, but I didn't feel that See's attention to detail slowed the pace. She kept the story moving nicely.
I also loved this story and I agree that the ending was abrupt also. But when I thought about I figured that their life was also interrupted in an abrupt way. So I was actually fine with the way it ended.
Jenny -- I didn't hear about the sequel until after I had finished the book. I just wish she didn't leave the story with a cliffhanger.
Charley -- I agree that the book had a wonderful flow to it and I just could not put it down.
Jo-Jo -- My mom was fine with the ending as well. I just wish the ending wasn't so open.
I liked this book and Jenny is right - a sequel is planned.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5960325
I've read other blog reviews that have noted issues with the ending. I definitely do want to read this and am glad you liked it overall.
Glad to hear this one is good. I recently read her other book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and it was fab.
As you can see from my review last fall, I too had some slight disappointment with the ending. It's great to see the book is still being enjoyed, and I too look forward to a possible sequel.
Like everyone it seems I loved the book but did not like the ending-
My Review
This certainly sounds like an interesting book. Great review! :)
i have not read this, but it sounds good. i will have to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for visiting me. I am new yo blogging about books, though i am addicted to reading!
Oh I want to read this book. I have had it for awhile and just haven't gotten to it. I will though! GREAT REVIEW!
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