Shanghai Girls by Lisa See is one of the most compelling books I recently read. A novel about two wealthy Chinese girls that grow up as young, modern, carefree women in Shanghai’s 1930s, the story unveils their life as it rapidly crumbles before their stunned faces and frightened souls. From being two beautiful girls in Shanghai’s sophisticated society, they end up as humble humiliated immigrants of United States, ripped of their wealth, status, freedom, youth, dignity, sold as wives to Chinese American men looking for wives in China. They are trapped for years and years in places unworthy of them, clinging on to past cherished memories and sacred secrets. Having gone through tragedy upon tragedy, at times when the Japanese were invading China, the book exposes the message that nothing can be taken for granted and that one’s life can change dramatically within a slight second; it also explores the unyielding sisterly love and friendship that can move mountains, but that can also be easily broken through jealousy and rivalry. Great book, especially if you are into the Chinese traditional culture and some history. Highly recommend it!
