Shanghai Girls - Lisa See

Shanghai Girls - Lisa See (2009)
There is something so nice about being the first one to read a book, whether it is newly bought or new at the library, I don't mind. I had waited I think 5 months on the reserve list for Lisa Sees new book.

Starting int 1937, it tells the story of Pearl and May Chin, sisters in Shanghai who are living a good life, modeling and socialising at all of the popular spots. It then follows them through the Japanese invasion of China and their eventual arrival in the US.

I have read Lisa Sees two previous novels, which were awesome, Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. On Gold Mountain was more of a family history about her Chinese family that had emigrated to the US, and I see echoes of these stories in Shangai Girls. Not as compelling as her historical novels, it was still interesting and compelling and I enjoy her flowing style of writing. 3/5

On Gold Mountain - Lisa See

On Gold Mountain - Lisa See (1995)
Lisa See is the author of one of this years favourite books Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This time she steps into non-fiction mode and looks back into her families past, and the immigration of her family patriarch Fong See, with his arrival and life in America (known as Gold Mountain by the Chinese).

Fong See originally came to the US to track down his father and brothers, who had come over to work for the railroad companies as they expanded into the west of the country. Starting his own business as a merchant, he started out by hiring men to sew Chinese silk into crotchless panties for local prostitutes. Expanding into antiques and Chinese imports he managed to diversify his business and marry a Caucasian woman and raise many children.

A fascinating insight into a family that reached across the two cultures and all the changes that the 20th century brought. Slightly too long for my taste, I got a bit frustrated towards the end I enjoyed Lisa Sees look into her family. It was interesting towards the end to find out that much of the story was new to her and most of her family and like any family, there are many versions of the truth. 3/5

Peony in Love - Lisa See

Peony in Love - Lisa See (2007)

After reading the wonderful Snow Flower and the Secret Fan I was drawn to reading Lisa Sees latest novel. I wasn't disappointed as it is another great story beautifully written. Peony is a sixteen year old girl, who is already betrothed in marriage, and sheltered in her house which she is never allowed to leave, she becomes obsessed with the an opera "The Peony Pavilion". Life for her then begins to imitate the lyrics that she constantly reads.

Following the story of Peony and her betrothed husband, we are drawn into the amazing world of seventeenth century China. Full of superstitions, traditions , ancestors and ghosts this is truly a magical novel.

I am going to give it a 4/5. I enjoyed it immensely, but felt that Snow Flower just eclipsed it as being the better book. Lisa See is a great writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See (2005)
This is a novel, set in remote China in the nineteenth story and tells of Lily and Snow Flower, two girls whose lives become intertwined at the age of six and continues throughout their lives. An amazing tale of age old traditions that include arranged marriages and foot binding rituals that start at age seven, this book also includes the secret women's writing of 'nu shu' which allowed private messages to be sent between girls and women, and remained a secret for a thousand years.

This book was beautiful and reminded me of a Thousand Splendid Suns, in its telling of the lives of women. Definitely worth searching out at the library, and worth a 5/5. If you read it or have read it before, please let me know what you think.

PS I have amended my points for this book from a 4/5 to a 5/5. I have been thinking about it all week, and how much I enjoyed it, and learnt so much from it. So there you go, one of the best books I have read in some time.