Beautiful Girls in the Paris of China: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

I have been putting off writing a review while I rid myself of strong feelings for this novel. But it has been two weeks since I finished the book, and my heart still aches for the characters. Perhaps, it will always do. 

Personal Rating:

Beautiful Girls in the Paris of China

In Shanghai Girls, author Lisa See begins the story in 1937 Shanghai, where sisters Pearl and May Chin lead modern and carefree lives. They enjoy a luxurious life until their father gambles away all their wealth and sells them to a wealthy Chinese-American businessman to become wives for his sons. Henceforth, the girls encounter a series of hardships and poor luck as they try to escape the Japanese invasion in China and seek refuge in America. 

The two sisters are the best of friends, but they also harbor petty rivalries, a recurring theme in the book. It is sometimes frustrating to read until I remember that’s how sisters are. In some parts, one can see how deeply they care for one another, but then again, the ones who love us the most can hurt us the most, too. Their misunderstandings become more significant and more profound in time as the weight of secrets and sacrifices take a toll. Nonetheless, as the two girls make small compromises to great sacrifices along the way, I can’t help but root for them both. 

Relevant Issues for Today’s Readers

Besides the bonds of sisterhood, the novel also explores major historical events and socio-cultural patterns. The two sisters’ lives are directly influenced by these subjects, including the political unrest in China, the difficult life of Chinese immigrants, and the many familial traditions of the Chinese culture. The novel touched on several sensitive and significant issues that I believe today’s readers will find relevant – filial piety, worshipping ancestors, gender roles, racism, and many others. 

Another Time and Place

Lisa See’s descriptions of the place and the seamless incorporation of historical events in the story create vivid images for the reader. For someone not familiar with this part of history, I gathered enough information to imagine the right environment and the proper timeline for the story. A few Chinese words, accompanied immediately with their English translations, add color to various descriptions and events. 

The novel is told from the perspective of one sister and divided into three parts. I find the narration devoid of emotion sometimes, but I guess it’s because of the narrator’s patient nature that the lines were delivered in such a way. Still, the book will evoke strong reactions from its readers from the intensity of its scenes.

The Tale Continues

Many readers find the book’s ending too abrupt, as do I. They say it is better to read its sequel, Dreams of Joy, almost immediately to get the whole experience of the story. While I am still sourcing a copy of its sequel, I rate this book 3.5/5 for now.

I recommend this book to enthusiasts of historical fiction, especially those who adore Asian and Chinese literature. Readers of Adeline Yen Mah, author of Chinese Cinderella, might find the same gloomy mood and themes of tragedy in Shanghai Girls. 

Maybe it is the stories of the war that bring heavy feelings. Perhaps it’s the subtle reminders of the dysfunctional parts of the Asian family culture. It may also be that I have not one, not two, but three sisters; I share my triumphs and defeats with them. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the many hours I spent devouring the book.