46 pages • 1 hour read
Shanghai Girls
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Book Brief
322
Novel • Fiction
Shanghai, China • 1930s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Shanghai Girls, a historical novel by Lisa See, follows sisters Pearl and May Chin from 1937 Shanghai to Los Angeles over a 20-year span, exploring themes of familial duty, cultural identity, and the bond of sisterhood amidst the backdrop of wartime China and the Chinese immigrant experience in America. The novel includes depictions of suicide, torture, rape, and wartime atrocities.
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
162,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lisa See's Shanghai Girls intricately weaves historical and emotional narratives, capturing the essence of sisterhood amid cultural upheavals. Critics appreciate its vivid depiction of 1930s Shanghai and immigrant struggles in America. Some find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped but praise the strong central bond between sisters.
Who Should Read Shanghai Girls?
Readers who enjoy Shanghai Girls by Lisa See are often intrigued by historical fiction that delves into familial bonds and cultural heritage. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See will find similar emotional depth, strong female characters, and rich storytelling about identity and resilience.
162,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
322
Novel • Fiction
Shanghai, China • 1930s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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