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Book Review of Shanghai Girls

Shanghai Girls
Shanghai Girls
Author: Lisa See
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
fullybooked avatar reviewed on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


My first Lisa See book was "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" which I enjoyed immensely. I followed it up with "Peony In Love" which was very disappointing. So, with her latest release, "Shanghai Girls," I was wondering what I would think.

Unfortunately, I found it to be another disappointment. It is an historical novel but there is no character development, particularly of the child, Joy - no descriptive of her physical presence or personality until she is in college. I felt like I was reading a journal or travelogue. And, don't even get me started on the ending... Not only is Joy's decision is incredibly unrealistic but when I turned the last page I was shocked to find the story had abruptly ended. Perhaps there will be a sequel - but I won't be reading it!