China Dolls, Lisa See

China Dolls, Lisa See

I find the best way for me to learn is through stories, whether fictional or non fiction. It sticks with me better in story form. That's one thing that is so great about this author, Lisa See, is they way she weaves history into her stories. This is not the first book I have read by this author, nor will it be the last. I started out with Shanghai Girls, about two sisters in 1930s China and the struggles they overcome, coming to America and moving to ChinaTown, the secrets they hide, and how they are treated as non-whites and foreigners in a country that is supposed to be a melting pot of nations. Then I read Dreams of Joy, its sequel, which is a story set in Communist China. Definitely worth reading, and very eye opening.

However, this story is a little different from Shanghai Girls. This takes place in the same time frame and general area as some of Shanghai Girls, but this is the story of three young Asian American women with very different pasts, who all end up in Chinatown in San Francisco, and all become dancers at a swanky Chinese night club. They all three carry heavy secrets, which affect their lives, careers, and relationships. 

We learn about Chinese culture in 1930s America, the family dynamic, racial prejudice, the night club life, and World War 2 and the fear it brought to Asian Americans. The Japanese were corralled into internment camps under suspicion of espionage, and Chinese had to make sure others knew they were not Japanese so they would be treated better, and not arrested. 

Despite all their challenges, they learn to overcome adversity, grow, reach for their dreams, and create a bond of sisterhood among themselves.

If you love learning about Asian culture or American history, this is a good one to read.

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