Book Review: Shanghai Girls

Shanghai Girls
Author: Lisa See
Published: Random House, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

I purchased this novel at the same time of Peony in Love. After reading one of See's historical fiction novels I was hoping she delivered just as well in this novel. I was not disappointed.

Pearl and May Chin are known as "beautiful girls" in Shangai during 1937. They come from a wealthy family and spend their time going to bars with friends and posing for painters. When their father decides to sell them in arranged marriage to settle his gambling debts thier lives are rocketed as Japanese bombs besiege their city. The sisters set out on a journey in which both will make sorrowful sacrifices for each other and the secret they must keep.

What I loved best about this novel was the characterization of the sisters. While the novel is told from Peal's POV she gives readers trusted insight into May's personality. The choices the girls make through the course of the novel reflects the changes they went through earlier in their lives. See has done a wonderful job through many craft elements to show the vivid, enduring, and yet changing relationship of the Chin sisters.

(#14 of the 100 Book Challenge)