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My Book Review | 'Shanghai Girls' by Lisa See

By
Real Estate Agent with New Colony Properties, LLC

MY BOOK REVIEW

'SHANGHAI GIRLS' by Lisa See

 

This is the second novel that I've read by Lisa See.  The first one, Peony in Love, was recommended to me by a friend.  I loved the book so much that I decided to read some more of Lisa See's magical story's and I was lucky enough to find 'Shanghai Girls' at a local estate sale! 

'Shanghai Girls' is the story of two Chinese sisters and their personal struggles of growing up during the years that Japan bombed Shanghai.  Both sisters had big dreams and a drive to survive and become independant women living a 'western' lifestyle.  The thought of an arranged marriage, like that of their parents, was not in their plans.  But, fate had a different plan for them.

A lackluster father and poverty take over their lives.  The sisters agree to an arrangement, where they marry brothers and move to the land of opportunity...California.  The trip to the United States is a rough road. 

The struggle of the Chinese immigrants to our country is a tragic journey.  Most immigrants are confined to 'Chinatown' and the old ways of their ancestors. 

This is mainly a story of sisterly love and about a family bond so strong that it is the glue that keeps them together and alive!  Lisa See does an excellent job of painting a picture in your mind that you feel like you are actually walking through Shanghai & 'Chinatown'. 

Apparently, one of Lisa See's books has been made into a movie...'Snow Flower And The Secret Fan'.  Our local 'independant' movie theater, Sunrise Theater, has it scheduled to show August 25th-29th.  I can't wait!!! 

My next book is 'The Art of Racing In The Rain' by Garth Stein.  This book is the August Pick for my online book club.  A story told through the mind of a dog...you know I'll love this one!


Previous Book Reviews:

'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen

'Weekend In Paris' by Robyn Sisman

Posted by

 

Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties
Broker/Owner
e-PRO®,REALTOR®
Multi-Million Dollar Producer
Resort & Historic Properties Specialist

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Donna Malone
Waterfront, Luxury, Family, Affordable, Cottage, Deals - Bridgewater, NS
Homes and Property for Sale Nova Scotia

Denise, Lisa See's sounds like a really interesting book. I'm guessing the movie made from one of her other books will be good, too.

Aug 08, 2011 06:24 AM
Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties, LLC - Pinehurst, NC
e-PRO, REALTOR - Specializing in Pinehurst, NC Area

Hi Donna - I can't wait for the movie!!!  Are you a member of our online book club???

Aug 08, 2011 11:39 AM
Judith Parker
ProStead Realty - Charlotte, NC
CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC

Hi Denise, this book sounds wonderful and I will read it.  Also, thank you for the invitation to join your book club.  I just did and looking forward to reading the August choice.  Have a great eve.

Aug 08, 2011 03:02 PM
Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties, LLC - Pinehurst, NC
e-PRO, REALTOR - Specializing in Pinehurst, NC Area

Oh, Judith, I'm happy to hear you joined the Reading Group!  You'll love the August Choice!!!  Have a wonderful day!

Aug 09, 2011 01:58 AM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Thanks for this review.  I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and my mom gave me Shanghai Girls!  I wish you would post your book reviews in Realtors and Friends that Read.  I started that group!   I have been putting off Shanghai Girls for some time and now I will definitely read it.  I read The Art of Racing in the Rain and it's a beautiful book, especially for us dog lovers!

Aug 10, 2011 02:27 PM
Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties, LLC - Pinehurst, NC
e-PRO, REALTOR - Specializing in Pinehurst, NC Area

Hey Susan...good to hear from you!  I'm sorry, I don' think I knew about your 'Reading' group...I will definitely add it to my list of groups!!!  Were you aware that Snow Flower & the Secret Fan had been made into a movie???

Aug 11, 2011 02:43 AM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

No.  I had no idea.  I'll check it out!

Aug 11, 2011 02:52 AM
Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties, LLC - Pinehurst, NC
e-PRO, REALTOR - Specializing in Pinehurst, NC Area

Susan - I joined your reading group and I also posted this to it as well...I look forward to reading your book reviews!

Aug 11, 2011 02:56 AM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

Thank you for the review Denise. I have not read any of her books so I will check them out. Wasn't the August book selection for "Reading In The Rain"book club great!! Loved it! Cannot wait until Monday to discuss it.

Aug 11, 2011 04:19 PM
Denise Roberts
New Colony Properties, LLC - Pinehurst, NC
e-PRO, REALTOR - Specializing in Pinehurst, NC Area

Shar - I read the 'August Selection' a long time ago....but, I'm currently re-reading it for the Monday discussion.  AND YES, it is a GREAT book!!!

Aug 12, 2011 01:41 AM