China Dolls: A Novel

First of all, I'm a big fan of Lisa See novels, which are drawn from the 19th and 20th century record ofAsian assimilation, or lack thereof, into America. By interweaving tidbits from her own family ancestors, Ms See manages to make stories with dramatic and often breathtaking impact. From the repulsion and danger of foot binding to the hassle of Angel Island immigration screening, and into the horrors of Mao's leap forward in the1960s, her books offer compelling stories amid a broad sweep of history.This latest novel is less impactful than the prior ones, although well researched and engagingly written. This story of three women whose outcast status led them to become leggy stars of Chinatown revues and eventually get parts in movies and appearances on Ed Sullivan demonstrated their pluck and proclaimed their allure. That's about it. Pearl Harbor plays into it, and the Second World war plays backdrop to a what is essentially a chick novel. Prior works by Ms See fairly grabbed me by throat with their suspense and drama, but this one is more of an amusement.I hIghly recommend checking out Ms See's writings. She is quite good and I hope will stay at it for a long time to come.

This is the first Lisa See book I have read, and from perusing the reviews, it appears that her other books may be better written. I read this book for my book club, and had a difficult time finishing it. The three women that she has created present so much opportunity for character development, yet See failed to give each of them her own unique voice. And despite the possibilities presented by first person narration, See makes the mistake that reveals her as a lazy writer: instead of letting readers draw their own conclusions by observing the characters' behavior, she tells us how to feel and perceive each situation. I did learn some things about the lives of Asian people in the US during World War II, so the book was not a waste of time. I wish I could read a similar book, written by a more skilled author.

I’ve always enjoyed books by Lisa See and this one didn’t disappoint. China Dolls is the story of three young women in San Francisco that seek employment as entertainers (dancing, singing, etc.) in the Chinese American nightclub era. While the story and characters are fictional, they are based on a true time period and a true places in San Francisco. The story is one of friendship, perseverance through World War II and all that came with it, love and deep dark secrets! Each of the girls in their own right have a very unique story with secrets that make up who they are. This book deals with family drama, friendship ups and downs, war, racism, love, ambition, courage and loyalty. I loved the individual stories of the girls and how they seem to slowly unfold into each other’s stories until they were all intertwined. The struggles these women faced in their lives before and while they were friends are tremendous and sad but also invigorating because it’s what drove them to be; individually and as a trip. I struggled with the racism depicted in the story – it was really disturbing and at times uncomfortable to read about; but it was also very educational as it opened my eyes to the kind of world these young women had to live in and what life was like if you were a Japanese American during World War II. Overall I really enjoyed the book, and the characters!

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.

A great read, fascinating history of early 20th century china town in San Francisco. The forgotten laws & treatment of the 'orientals' & the hate for the Japanese was a fascinating read. I haven't given it5 stars simply because like other reviews the three voices were too similar & I had a double check who was writing that particular chapter.

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me an insight to a world I knew nothing about which had me youtubing lots of vids of Chinese performers from the era and the Forbidden City. Knocked off a star as I got confused between the characters.

The book came as promised new In a really good condition

Ok, although not one of her best. Quite a surprise at the end.

nice copie, fast delivery in the Netherlands

Good book

Loved the quality of the actual book, perfect and good read

Very pleased with condition of this book.going to be a good read. Fast delivery

Yet another can't-put-down book................Excellent !

I devoured this book. I love it!Lisa See is a master of delivering complex relationships and stunning revelations about people. She does not disappointed in this new book. China Dolls features three main characters: Grace, Helen and Ruby. They could not be more different from the other and it's almost impossible not to care and love them all, though there are times you wish they were real and you could take them by the shoulders and say "Really though?!" They all are willing to go and do whatever they can to be stars among other things.Friendship, love and betrayal happen among a backdrop of real nightclubs (except for one) and the attack on Pearl Harbor, the interment camps where Japanese and Japanese-American people were sent and the bombing of Hiroshima. It's a hell of an emotional ride as one would expect from Lisa See and the lingo sure is fun.

I love this book so much that I have read it multiple times. It is about three girls who are trying to make it as dancers. I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but if you like Lisa Sees other books, you will love this one.

Eu já havia lido outro livro da Lisa See e havia gostado por isso escolhi esse mas, ele é bem insosso! As personagens não tem o menor carisma, com uma delas eu até simpatizei mas as outras duas não fazem sentido, a descrição de tudo parecia ser feita por uma criança, um excesso de adjetivos semelhantes... O final então? Lamentei ter comprado esse livro!

Loved this book from beginning to the end - once I started I didn't want to put it down - great characters and the fact they were based on real life was even better - Lisa See can't write books fast enough for me -

Great book for those who love fiction and love to read .

I didn't expect this to be as good as it is and was pleasantly surprised.Well written and an informative piece of theatrical social history.I look forward to reading more from this author