The Painter from Shanghai
The Painter from Shanghai
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
China • 1920s
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Painter from Shanghai by Jennifer Cody Epstein is a fictionalized biography of Pan Yuliang, a renowned Chinese Postimpressionist painter. It traces her journey from a small village and a life of poverty and prostitution to becoming a celebrated artist in Shanghai and Paris, exploring how creativity can flourish in a repressive environment. The book includes themes of abuse and sexual violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
4,177 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jennifer Cody Epstein's The Painter from Shanghai is praised for its vivid portrayal of the life of Chinese artist Pan Yuliang. Reviewers commend its rich historical detail and emotional depth. However, some note that its pacing can be uneven, occasionally hindering engagement. Overall, it remains a captivating and well-researched historical novel.
Who Should Read The Painter from Shanghai?
A reader who would enjoy Jennifer Cody Epstein's The Painter from Shanghai is likely passionate about historical fiction, particularly with strong female protagonists. Fans of Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan or Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club will appreciate this novel's evocative portrayal of early 20th-century China through the eyes of a determined artist.
4,177 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Novel • Fiction
China • 1920s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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