China Dolls by Lisa See
Helen, Ruby and Grace are Chinese American women who meet in a pre-WWII San Francisco. They immediately become fast friends in spite of their differences. Helen is from a traditional Chinese family, who all live together in a compound. Her brother must escort her everywhere she goes. Grace has run away from a small Ohio town and an abusive father, in search of her dream as a dancer. Ruby keeps the details of her background a secret.
I'm a huge fan of Lisa See. Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are two of my absolute favorites. Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy are right up there too. I'm fascinated by See's stories of the Chinese way of life. But I have to say China Dolls fell far short.
I felt as if the author rushed through. The pacing was way off and writing, choppy and juvenile in parts. At first I wondered if See had even written this. I checked the publication date, thinking possibly it was something she'd written long ago before perfecting her craft. It was released in 2015. So much for that theory.
Lisa See is a wonderful writer, China Dolls however was not her best effort. I'd skip this one in favor of her other works which are far more enjoyable.
Helen, Ruby and Grace are Chinese American women who meet in a pre-WWII San Francisco. They immediately become fast friends in spite of their differences. Helen is from a traditional Chinese family, who all live together in a compound. Her brother must escort her everywhere she goes. Grace has run away from a small Ohio town and an abusive father, in search of her dream as a dancer. Ruby keeps the details of her background a secret.
I'm a huge fan of Lisa See. Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are two of my absolute favorites. Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy are right up there too. I'm fascinated by See's stories of the Chinese way of life. But I have to say China Dolls fell far short.
I felt as if the author rushed through. The pacing was way off and writing, choppy and juvenile in parts. At first I wondered if See had even written this. I checked the publication date, thinking possibly it was something she'd written long ago before perfecting her craft. It was released in 2015. So much for that theory.
Lisa See is a wonderful writer, China Dolls however was not her best effort. I'd skip this one in favor of her other works which are far more enjoyable.
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