Status
Available
Publication
Random House Trade Paperbacks (2015), Edition: Reprint, 416 pages
Description
"The New York Times bestselling author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony In Love, Shanghai Girls, and Dreams of Joy returns with her highly anticipated new novel. A bold and bittersweet story of secrets and sacrifice, love and betrayal, prejudice and passion, China Dolls reveals a rich portrait of female friendship, as three young women navigate the "Chop Suey Circuit"--America's extravagant all-Asian revues of the 1930s and '40s--and endure the attack on Pearl Harbor and the shadow of World War II"-- "In 1938, Ruby, Helen and Grace, three girls from very different backgrounds, find themselves competing at the same audition for showgirl roles at San Francisco's exclusive "Oriental" nightclub, the Forbidden City. Grace, an American-born Chinese girl has fled the Midwest and an abusive father. Helen is from a Chinese family who have deep roots in San Francisco's Chinatown. And, as both her friends know, Ruby is Japanese passing as Chinese. At times their differences are pronounced, but the girls grow to depend on one another in order to fulfill their individual dreams. Then, everything changes in a heartbeat with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Suddenly the government is sending innocent Japanese to internment camps under suspicion, and Ruby is one of them. But which of her friends betrayed her?"--… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member eaklemp
I am, by all accounts, a fairly voracious reader. I love books of a variety of genres and writing styles. I do, of course, have preferences and pet peeves. One thing I do enjoy in fiction books is an ending that ties up loose ends. While I appreciate a reader desiring to create their own version of
"China Dolls" hooked me with well-written characters, trials and tribulations they experienced that were wholly believable, and an ending that left me satisfied and breathing a sigh of relief. Lisa See's novel is the story of Helen, Ruby, and Grace, three young women living in San Francisco in 1938, who meet and become dancers at the Forbidden City, a nightclub near Chinatown. Though they come from very different backgrounds, the three become fast friends, navigating the world of prejudice of their Oriental backgrounds and their own dreams of the future while battling the rollercoaster of their pasts. Helen comes from a privileged and highly respected family living in Chinatown's largest compound. Grace hails from the Midwest and went to San Francisco seeking a new life away from her physically and emotionally abusive father. Ruby is a seductive vixen with no qualms about using her wiles to get ahead. Each of them, though, harbors secrets which lead to chasms within their friendships and tumultuous years ahead.
The novel is written in first person accounts by the three, each one narrating various different chapters throughout. It is easy to get wrapped up in their storylines, to cheer them on when they do good, to get frustrated when they are being naive, or to feel disdain when they do something offensive.
The story ends 50 years later, when the characters gather together for a 50th Anniversary show for the Forbidden City. It does a phenomenal job of resolving the fates of all the characters, tying up all the loose ends in a neat bow, just the way I like.
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a character's future, I highly value when an author delivers me to the end of the journey I embarked on when I cracked open the cover. And with certain novels, I become so intimate with characters and so invested in their outcomes that an ambiguous ending results in a few curse words directed at the author and frustration that seems to permeate my day."China Dolls" hooked me with well-written characters, trials and tribulations they experienced that were wholly believable, and an ending that left me satisfied and breathing a sigh of relief. Lisa See's novel is the story of Helen, Ruby, and Grace, three young women living in San Francisco in 1938, who meet and become dancers at the Forbidden City, a nightclub near Chinatown. Though they come from very different backgrounds, the three become fast friends, navigating the world of prejudice of their Oriental backgrounds and their own dreams of the future while battling the rollercoaster of their pasts. Helen comes from a privileged and highly respected family living in Chinatown's largest compound. Grace hails from the Midwest and went to San Francisco seeking a new life away from her physically and emotionally abusive father. Ruby is a seductive vixen with no qualms about using her wiles to get ahead. Each of them, though, harbors secrets which lead to chasms within their friendships and tumultuous years ahead.
The novel is written in first person accounts by the three, each one narrating various different chapters throughout. It is easy to get wrapped up in their storylines, to cheer them on when they do good, to get frustrated when they are being naive, or to feel disdain when they do something offensive.
The story ends 50 years later, when the characters gather together for a 50th Anniversary show for the Forbidden City. It does a phenomenal job of resolving the fates of all the characters, tying up all the loose ends in a neat bow, just the way I like.
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LibraryThing member indygo88
This is a story of three American "Oriental" girls (as they were called at the time) who meet by chance in San Francisco in the late 1930's while trying out as nightclub dancers on the outskirts of Chinatown. Each come from different backgrounds and the story centers around their friendship as it
I honestly had trouble really liking this book. I found the writing somewhat mediocre and I really didn't care for any of the characters, even by the end of the novel. Calling their relationship a "friendship" seemed to be somewhat of a loose interpretation of the word, as the young women never seemed to have a close relationship and were tirelessly having petty arguments amongst themselves or constantly seemed to be in competition with one another for fame and popularity. However, despite my mixed feelings about the characterization, I did enjoy the setting of the book, and I feel like I was enlightened about the United States during World War II and the attitudes Americans had about the Japanese and thus the Japanese American people at the time.
I've enjoyed other books by Lisa See, but this one just didn't hit the mark for me.
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evolves and changes through the next ten years or so. I honestly had trouble really liking this book. I found the writing somewhat mediocre and I really didn't care for any of the characters, even by the end of the novel. Calling their relationship a "friendship" seemed to be somewhat of a loose interpretation of the word, as the young women never seemed to have a close relationship and were tirelessly having petty arguments amongst themselves or constantly seemed to be in competition with one another for fame and popularity. However, despite my mixed feelings about the characterization, I did enjoy the setting of the book, and I feel like I was enlightened about the United States during World War II and the attitudes Americans had about the Japanese and thus the Japanese American people at the time.
I've enjoyed other books by Lisa See, but this one just didn't hit the mark for me.
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LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
Meeting in 1938 at an audition for places in a chorus line at San Francisco’s soon to open Forbidden City nightclub owned by Charlie Low (the nightclub and Low were real), Grace, Helen, and Ruby quickly become fast friends. American’s of Asian parentage, opportunities are few for them in that
Grace is 17 and has run away from her violent father in the mid-West; she has never met another Chinese person other than her parents until she hits San Francisco. Helen has a well to do father who runs the family compound with an iron fist; her brother escorts her to and from work to ensure her virtue. Ruby’s parent’s live in Hawaii; she lives with her aunt and uncle and is a wild child compared to the other two; when she doesn’t make the cut at the nightclub, she joins a revue at the Exposition that has the girls virtually nude. Despite their differences in personality and origin and blow ups that left them not speaking for years at times, their relationship continues for 50 years. All three have secrets, and those secrets are frequently the source of their problems.
This was the most gripping book I’ve read in some time; it sucked me right in and didn’t let go until I’d finished it, which I did in one day. It’s women’s literature, it’s Asian-American literature, it’s historical fiction. See has, as always, put a huge amount of research into her book. Some of the Chinese-American entertainers from the era are still alive and See was able to interview them and get first hand information about what it was like: the prejudice; the cringe-worthy, self deprecating acts that made the Occidentals laugh; the Japanese-Americans were all treated as traitors after Pearl Harbor. I love this book.
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era. Orientals weren’t hired as singers or dancers in Caucasian establishments; in a lot of states, intermarriage between Orientals and Occidentals (the old term used for whites that See uses throughout the book) was forbidden. Grace is 17 and has run away from her violent father in the mid-West; she has never met another Chinese person other than her parents until she hits San Francisco. Helen has a well to do father who runs the family compound with an iron fist; her brother escorts her to and from work to ensure her virtue. Ruby’s parent’s live in Hawaii; she lives with her aunt and uncle and is a wild child compared to the other two; when she doesn’t make the cut at the nightclub, she joins a revue at the Exposition that has the girls virtually nude. Despite their differences in personality and origin and blow ups that left them not speaking for years at times, their relationship continues for 50 years. All three have secrets, and those secrets are frequently the source of their problems.
This was the most gripping book I’ve read in some time; it sucked me right in and didn’t let go until I’d finished it, which I did in one day. It’s women’s literature, it’s Asian-American literature, it’s historical fiction. See has, as always, put a huge amount of research into her book. Some of the Chinese-American entertainers from the era are still alive and See was able to interview them and get first hand information about what it was like: the prejudice; the cringe-worthy, self deprecating acts that made the Occidentals laugh; the Japanese-Americans were all treated as traitors after Pearl Harbor. I love this book.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
This novel was definitely a miss for me. I guess nothing will live up to Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. The premise of the novel was promising (hence why I requested it for Early Reviewers) and I love the historical time period...BUT...these girls seem to despise each other. The early chapters are
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filled with rude remarks to each other (and snarky thoughts about each other); and then, to help the plotline along, since they have to be friends, the girls just think/say, "Well, we have to stick together anyway, so it is what it is" Show Less
LibraryThing member MmeRose
Lisa See's new book, China Dolls, is an engaging story of three Asian-American women working in show business from 1938 through War II. Told in first person by each woman in alternating chapters, their personalities and backstories are revealed slowly. The story moves from San Francisco to LA to
Although I had some knowledge of the Japanese detention camps, I knew nothing about the "Oriental" nightclubs or the "Chop Suey" circuit of the time. The story and the Afterward led me to read more about reality behind See's fiction. It is really as fascinating as her book makes it.
I've read all of See's work. I enjoy her writing style, her well developed characters, and the view she gives us into unfamiliar worlds. This newest book lives up to her previous work.
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Florida to NYC and back again.Although I had some knowledge of the Japanese detention camps, I knew nothing about the "Oriental" nightclubs or the "Chop Suey" circuit of the time. The story and the Afterward led me to read more about reality behind See's fiction. It is really as fascinating as her book makes it.
I've read all of See's work. I enjoy her writing style, her well developed characters, and the view she gives us into unfamiliar worlds. This newest book lives up to her previous work.
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LibraryThing member melaniehope
I am always a fan of Lisa See's books. This was an enjoyable read, but probably my least favorite of all her books. The story begins in 1938. Three oriental women in their early twenties meet by accident one day. They form a bond and become fast friends. They all enter the "show business" world of
What did not appeal to me so much was that the girls seemed to be friends almost because there was no one else around at the time. They seemed to bicker a lot, fight about boys, and constantly try to be the most successful dancer in the group.
Then WWII breaks out and the world as they know it changes. These parts of Lisa's books are always interesting to read. However, this time, it seemed to gloss over much of the historical issues and just give the readers a quick glance at Japanese internment camps, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and what it was like to be an oriental during the war.
Overall a good read, but not my favorite Lisa See book. I received a complimentary copy as part of the LIbrarything Early Reviewers.
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San Francisco. What did not appeal to me so much was that the girls seemed to be friends almost because there was no one else around at the time. They seemed to bicker a lot, fight about boys, and constantly try to be the most successful dancer in the group.
Then WWII breaks out and the world as they know it changes. These parts of Lisa's books are always interesting to read. However, this time, it seemed to gloss over much of the historical issues and just give the readers a quick glance at Japanese internment camps, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and what it was like to be an oriental during the war.
Overall a good read, but not my favorite Lisa See book. I received a complimentary copy as part of the LIbrarything Early Reviewers.
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LibraryThing member angela.vaughn
I am always so sad when a book by Lisa See is done. She can pull heart strings and play with a person's emotions like no other. This book was beautifully written with solid character and plot (as always). I was happy to read about this part of history by See as she put an interesting twist on it
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using show girls. This is a must read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Randall.Hansen
By chance, I became a Lisa See fan, reading Shanghai Girls for my Kettle Falls book club. I enjoy her storytelling and in-depth research. In this novel, set in the late 1930s in San Francisco, three women meet up (also by chance) and become fast friends. Very enjoyable, great characters, and
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wonderful storytelling. This was a bonus read for me, as I received it as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. Kudos too to Random House for participating. Show Less
LibraryThing member Electablue
I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa See's latest book, China Dolls. Nothing can ever top Snow Flower and the Secret Fan for me. The period of the 1930s to the 1940s seemed very accurate for the times, without being overly preachy about some of the injustices like the internment camps, and the racism they
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experienced that I have read in other books. Show Less
LibraryThing member JGoto
If i had to describe Lisa See's new book, China Dolls, in one word, it would have to be "bland." That would apply to the plot and settings, as well as the characters. The story focuses on three young Asian Americans, Grace, Ruby, and Helen. It is the 1930's and the girls are in San Francisco,
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trying to break into the entertainment industry. The racist ideals of the times won't allow them to be part of any traditional dance troupes, so they enter the glamorous world of Chinese nightclubs. The three girls begin an intense friendship, filled with petty jealousy and betrayals large and small. Peppered throughout the book are many trite Chinese sayings, which are an irritation, at best.I enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls, so I was looking forward to See's new book, but it was a disappointment. I found that I couldn't identify with or have much sympathy for any of the characters. The story did shed light on a part of American society that I didn't know much about, so I did find that aspect of the book interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jaylia3
Rich in atmosphere and period details, Lisa See has reanimated pre-WWII San Francisco in the pages of this book, especially its nightlife, entertainment community, and Chinatown. Three determined, hard working, fun loving young women working as chorus line dancers narrate the story, and though they
When China Dolls opens in 1938, Grace is bruised, beaten, and on the run, escaping by bus from a small Ohio town where the only Chinese people are her own family, and headed for San Francisco’s Golden Gate International Exposition where she hopes to find work as a dancer. Naive and still very young, Grace soon meets reserved Helen, who grew up steeped in the culture of Chinatown, and wild Ruby who’s from Hawaii. They become fast friends, sharing meals, apartments, and nights on the town while encouraging and supporting each other’s ambitions.
Fluctuating fortunes, clashing romantic interests, and the withheld secrets create tensions that at times turn the devoted pals into temporary frenemies. Their lives shift abruptly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, especially Ruby’s since her family still lives on those islands. The three narrators worked for me--I enjoyed delving into their different life stories and having their varied perspectives. Lisa See made me care about and sometimes ache for each of them, even when they behave badly toward each other.
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are best friends and all Asian in heritage their backgrounds are very different and they each have several layers of heart-rending secrets that are only gradually revealed. When China Dolls opens in 1938, Grace is bruised, beaten, and on the run, escaping by bus from a small Ohio town where the only Chinese people are her own family, and headed for San Francisco’s Golden Gate International Exposition where she hopes to find work as a dancer. Naive and still very young, Grace soon meets reserved Helen, who grew up steeped in the culture of Chinatown, and wild Ruby who’s from Hawaii. They become fast friends, sharing meals, apartments, and nights on the town while encouraging and supporting each other’s ambitions.
Fluctuating fortunes, clashing romantic interests, and the withheld secrets create tensions that at times turn the devoted pals into temporary frenemies. Their lives shift abruptly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, especially Ruby’s since her family still lives on those islands. The three narrators worked for me--I enjoyed delving into their different life stories and having their varied perspectives. Lisa See made me care about and sometimes ache for each of them, even when they behave badly toward each other.
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LibraryThing member Micheller7
Friendships of convenience, secrets, lots of secrets. These were the main elements of Lisa See's newest novel "China Dolls" about three Asian American women prior to and during World War 2. And as one of them put it, "And each of us, in our own ways, was doing the best we could to erase who we
I very much looked forward to this book, having so much enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls. However, I really disliked Peony in Love (the main character was a ghost for 75 percent of the book!) and Dreams of Joy, the sequel to Shanghai Girls, was not as good as its predecessor. So, I hoped that this book would belong in the category of my favorites. Unfortunately, it did not. Although very well researched, it was as if all of that research had to be put in the book. This did not advance the narrative. The plot moved very slowly. It did get a bit better as the story moved along. But the characters were not particularly likable and at least at the beginning I had to keep reminding myself which girl had which back story. The "voice" of the narrator changed to a different girl with each chapter. I did learn some things about those times, particularly about the entertainment line of work they were in, and I always enjoy the Chinese sayings which were peppered throughout the book. Overall, I say fair to middling on this one.
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were." Grace, Helen and Ruby met in San Francisco and worked at the Forbidden City night club. They bonded over loneliness, but their very different backgrounds caused many problems and rifts over the years. They were always jealous of one another and there were small and larger betrayals. I very much looked forward to this book, having so much enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls. However, I really disliked Peony in Love (the main character was a ghost for 75 percent of the book!) and Dreams of Joy, the sequel to Shanghai Girls, was not as good as its predecessor. So, I hoped that this book would belong in the category of my favorites. Unfortunately, it did not. Although very well researched, it was as if all of that research had to be put in the book. This did not advance the narrative. The plot moved very slowly. It did get a bit better as the story moved along. But the characters were not particularly likable and at least at the beginning I had to keep reminding myself which girl had which back story. The "voice" of the narrator changed to a different girl with each chapter. I did learn some things about those times, particularly about the entertainment line of work they were in, and I always enjoy the Chinese sayings which were peppered throughout the book. Overall, I say fair to middling on this one.
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LibraryThing member tloeffler
Helen, Grace, and Ruby are three young Oriental girls in San Francisco who meet and become friends as dancers in The Forbidden City nightclub. The book takes them from 1938 to 1948, through loves and losses, a World War, and times of happiness, sadness, and anger.
Each chapter of the book is
I'm usually a big fan of Lisa See's books, but this one was a little bit disappointing.
Each chapter of the book is
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narrated by one of the girls, but I found it difficult to keep them apart. There was very little that was different enough about each of them to be able to tell by the reading who was speaking. I also didn't find that their behavior rang true much of the time. I'm usually a big fan of Lisa See's books, but this one was a little bit disappointing.
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LibraryThing member MillieHennessy
I want to start off by saying I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in San Francisco in 1938 right as the World's Fair is preparing to open. Three women meet during auditions for a new night club, The Forbidden City - Helen, Grace and Ruby - and
I've read two other books by Lisa See - both of which I enjoyed - so I'm used to her writing style. I know very little about what life was like in the 40's and 50's, especially for Chinese or Japanese Americans (or immigrants living in the country) - so I took See's word for it, but I feel like I can trust that she portrayed an accurate picture of the past. This book gave an inside look at the highs and lows of being an Asian performer in California at that time - the prejudice many faced due to their race, despite actually being born in the U.S., the shifts in popularity from one moment to the next, never knowing when your luck might run out - the three friends lost their jobs several times and went back and forth from being "rich" to "poor."
I felt as though each character had some similarities in their lifestyles and personal views, they were all very unique women - even most of the more minor characters felt unique. I think the pacing was good - I finished the book quickly because it was easy to tell myself "Just one more chapter." Each chapter is told from one of the girl's perspectives and reflects their voice: Grace, the girl who moved from the midwest to escape her abusive father and get into showbiz. Helen, the wealthy one, who moved from China to San Fran with her family, living in a large compound and trying to live a "traditional" Chinese life in America. Ruby, the boisterous "showgirl" who was constantly trying to outshine her friends and scheme her way onto the big screen in LA.
They're "in this together" yet there's always some competition between them to be a better performer, to have more of the limelight - especially between Grace and Ruby. Helen shifts from performing to road manager, trying to manage the friendship of both girls while also maintaining some attention for herself and eventually managing her family situation as well. Grace and Ruby especially seemed like "frenemies" - constantly trying to one-up each other, yet they were roommates and they also supported each other in many ways. It seemed like a very real friendship - though at times I wondered how the girls put up with each other so long.
There was an excerpt a little after the middle where See changed things up, and rather have the girls speak during the chapters, it was a segment of letters written back and forth between the girls and it was a good way to cover a large gap in time that otherwise might have suffered from some very boring narrative.
The ending was a little awkward - but I think it was intended to be so. I won't give away any of the big twists - but these girls went through a lot together, shared a lot together, and kept some very big secrets from each other too. In the end, it's more of a study of how their relationships changed over time than a study of what their lives were like in that time - though the prejudice surrounding anyone who didn't look "American" at the time of the bombing was very real and these girls suffered more because of that. It definitely made me think hard about how we all view each other and the things people will do out of fear, as well as the lengths people will go to try to achieve their dreams.
If you're a fan of See's work I think you'll enjoy this. If you haven't read her work, but you find any of the subject matter interesting, I think you'll enjoy this book too.
This book is set in San Francisco in 1938 right as the World's Fair is preparing to open. Three women meet during auditions for a new night club, The Forbidden City - Helen, Grace and Ruby - and
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become fast friends and rivals. Each girl has secrets from her past that they slowly begin to share with each other as their fortunes grow and fade throughout the years in show business. "But after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion threaten to destroy their lives, and a shocking act of betrayal changes everything."I've read two other books by Lisa See - both of which I enjoyed - so I'm used to her writing style. I know very little about what life was like in the 40's and 50's, especially for Chinese or Japanese Americans (or immigrants living in the country) - so I took See's word for it, but I feel like I can trust that she portrayed an accurate picture of the past. This book gave an inside look at the highs and lows of being an Asian performer in California at that time - the prejudice many faced due to their race, despite actually being born in the U.S., the shifts in popularity from one moment to the next, never knowing when your luck might run out - the three friends lost their jobs several times and went back and forth from being "rich" to "poor."
I felt as though each character had some similarities in their lifestyles and personal views, they were all very unique women - even most of the more minor characters felt unique. I think the pacing was good - I finished the book quickly because it was easy to tell myself "Just one more chapter." Each chapter is told from one of the girl's perspectives and reflects their voice: Grace, the girl who moved from the midwest to escape her abusive father and get into showbiz. Helen, the wealthy one, who moved from China to San Fran with her family, living in a large compound and trying to live a "traditional" Chinese life in America. Ruby, the boisterous "showgirl" who was constantly trying to outshine her friends and scheme her way onto the big screen in LA.
They're "in this together" yet there's always some competition between them to be a better performer, to have more of the limelight - especially between Grace and Ruby. Helen shifts from performing to road manager, trying to manage the friendship of both girls while also maintaining some attention for herself and eventually managing her family situation as well. Grace and Ruby especially seemed like "frenemies" - constantly trying to one-up each other, yet they were roommates and they also supported each other in many ways. It seemed like a very real friendship - though at times I wondered how the girls put up with each other so long.
There was an excerpt a little after the middle where See changed things up, and rather have the girls speak during the chapters, it was a segment of letters written back and forth between the girls and it was a good way to cover a large gap in time that otherwise might have suffered from some very boring narrative.
The ending was a little awkward - but I think it was intended to be so. I won't give away any of the big twists - but these girls went through a lot together, shared a lot together, and kept some very big secrets from each other too. In the end, it's more of a study of how their relationships changed over time than a study of what their lives were like in that time - though the prejudice surrounding anyone who didn't look "American" at the time of the bombing was very real and these girls suffered more because of that. It definitely made me think hard about how we all view each other and the things people will do out of fear, as well as the lengths people will go to try to achieve their dreams.
If you're a fan of See's work I think you'll enjoy this. If you haven't read her work, but you find any of the subject matter interesting, I think you'll enjoy this book too.
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LibraryThing member mpmills
China Dolls tells the story of three, young, Asian girls who meet in 1938 when auditioning to be chorus girls at the Forbidden City in San Francisco. There is naive Grace, who came from Ohio, Helen, who lives in a traditional Chinese family complex, and Ruby, who came from Hawaii. Lisa See gives
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the three a strong friendship, but still fills it with jealousies and secrets. The prejudices of the time were hard to read and hard on the three women, but through it all, their bond holds. I loved this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member Matke
Lisa See's latest book offers a glimpse of a fairly obscure piece of the Chinese-American experience: the "chop suey circuit", a set of nightclubs in the Asian district of San Francisco. The main part of the story takes place during WW II. The characters are interesting and various, and there's
Unfortunately, through no fault of the author or the book itself, "China Dolls" didn't meet my reading needs at this time, so I didn't finish it, hence the lack of a rating.
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humor and romance, too.Unfortunately, through no fault of the author or the book itself, "China Dolls" didn't meet my reading needs at this time, so I didn't finish it, hence the lack of a rating.
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LibraryThing member ddelmoni
Let me start by being unfair to one of my favorite authors! If this was any other author I would probably give China Dolls a much higher rating. For Lisa See, however, this rates a 3 (7 on a 1 to 10 scale). Interesting story, well researched and I learned a lot about 1930's San Francisco, all the
There, I've said it! I loved Snow Flower, Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy (Peony is sitting on my night stand) and am a big Lisa See fan. So three hits and a miss still leaves her at the top of my "Author's to Read No Matter What" list.
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hallmarks of her fame. China Dolls, however, is simply not her best. 3 different narrators, one per chapter, didn't allow me to really know (or care about) any of the characters. I really think switching points of view dragged the plot to a crawl and the thread of enduring friendships that's suppose to be here (according to the marketing blurbs) got totally lost in the shuffle. There, I've said it! I loved Snow Flower, Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy (Peony is sitting on my night stand) and am a big Lisa See fan. So three hits and a miss still leaves her at the top of my "Author's to Read No Matter What" list.
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LibraryThing member bookgirljen
I was so excited to receive this book as part of the Early Reviewers program, as I absolutely loved Lisa See's Shanghai Girls. However, I have to say that this book did not completely meet my expectations.
China Dolls is the story of Grace, Ruby, and Helen, three Chinese girls who become best
What prevented me from rating this book more highly was the relationship between the girls. For being best friends, these girls frequently were downright mean to each other. They all had secrets they hid from each other, and secretly thought the worst of each other more often than not. This prevented me from truly caring about any one of these girls.
I still recommend reading this book, if only for the fascinating historical subject matter, if nothing else.
China Dolls is the story of Grace, Ruby, and Helen, three Chinese girls who become best
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friends while they sing and dance in the nightclubs of San Francisco's Chinatown during the late '30s and into the World War II era. Ms. See does a wonderful job of describing the atmosphere of the time, so that you get the sense of actually being there. I truly enjoyed reading and learning about the experiences of the Chinese entertainers of the time.What prevented me from rating this book more highly was the relationship between the girls. For being best friends, these girls frequently were downright mean to each other. They all had secrets they hid from each other, and secretly thought the worst of each other more often than not. This prevented me from truly caring about any one of these girls.
I still recommend reading this book, if only for the fascinating historical subject matter, if nothing else.
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
One of the areas in which China Dolls shines is in the portrayal of female friendships. For, female friendships are messy. They are highly susceptible to jealousy and rivalry and fraught with the tension that occurs from balancing the healthy versus the unhealthy. Yet, these volatile relationships
Because of the instability of such friendships, the three girls will test a reader’s loyalty and sympathy. They may be each other’s closest friends, but when it comes to achieving their objectives, no friendship stands in their way. In fact, in several instances, the girls deliberately set out to hurt one another either as retribution for previous grievances or merely as a stepping stone to their own desires. All of them are guilty of such backstabbing behaviors, which makes it difficult to find one character with whom to empathize. Yet all three have their own shameful secrets that contribute to the psychology of their friendship and ease some of the disappointment readers might feel at the damage each girl causes the other.
Another area of sheer vividness within China Dolls is the historical details throughout the novel. Ms. See shows so much more than the elements of the period. There is an attitude within the novel that complements the judgment, the pressure to succeed, the burden of assimilation, and the ugly discrimination around which the story builds. There is also the air of invincibility within the novel that befits the young heroines. Combined with the exquisite details of dress, slang, atmosphere, and attitudes, China Dolls is an excellent example of historical fiction.
China Dolls is the type of novel that will make readers rage with frustration at the ignorance and incivility with which past generations treated other cultures. That this injustice does not limit itself to Caucasians but spans all cultures is equally disturbing. The prejudices between those of Chinese origins and those of Japanese descent are uncomfortable to witness but not nearly as unpleasant as the racial epithets Ms. See uses to highlight the challenges the girls face when trying to entertain a mainly white audience. Her matter-of-fact presentation of the ethnic disparity of the era is particularly gripping after the war starts, and blatant bigotry becomes acceptable in the guise of patriotism. While the story is about three girls willing to brave a cruel world filled with cultural and gender bias in order to live their dreams is filled with intrigue, joy, disappointment, and courage, the secondary story of the prejudices against anyone of Asian descent is equally compelling.
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often last forever. Much as one never forgets one’s first love, a woman will never forget those key female friendships which help define who she is. In Grace, Helen, and Ruby, Ms. See highlights the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in female relationships. They are as close as sisters and yet have no problems betraying each other if it means achieving their goals. There is pettiness, love, guilt, and forgiveness – sometimes all in the same day. Theirs is a brilliant example of unpredictability and ultimate rewards that come from forging strong bonds with other women.Because of the instability of such friendships, the three girls will test a reader’s loyalty and sympathy. They may be each other’s closest friends, but when it comes to achieving their objectives, no friendship stands in their way. In fact, in several instances, the girls deliberately set out to hurt one another either as retribution for previous grievances or merely as a stepping stone to their own desires. All of them are guilty of such backstabbing behaviors, which makes it difficult to find one character with whom to empathize. Yet all three have their own shameful secrets that contribute to the psychology of their friendship and ease some of the disappointment readers might feel at the damage each girl causes the other.
Another area of sheer vividness within China Dolls is the historical details throughout the novel. Ms. See shows so much more than the elements of the period. There is an attitude within the novel that complements the judgment, the pressure to succeed, the burden of assimilation, and the ugly discrimination around which the story builds. There is also the air of invincibility within the novel that befits the young heroines. Combined with the exquisite details of dress, slang, atmosphere, and attitudes, China Dolls is an excellent example of historical fiction.
China Dolls is the type of novel that will make readers rage with frustration at the ignorance and incivility with which past generations treated other cultures. That this injustice does not limit itself to Caucasians but spans all cultures is equally disturbing. The prejudices between those of Chinese origins and those of Japanese descent are uncomfortable to witness but not nearly as unpleasant as the racial epithets Ms. See uses to highlight the challenges the girls face when trying to entertain a mainly white audience. Her matter-of-fact presentation of the ethnic disparity of the era is particularly gripping after the war starts, and blatant bigotry becomes acceptable in the guise of patriotism. While the story is about three girls willing to brave a cruel world filled with cultural and gender bias in order to live their dreams is filled with intrigue, joy, disappointment, and courage, the secondary story of the prejudices against anyone of Asian descent is equally compelling.
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LibraryThing member Copperskye
China Dolls tells the story of three young Chinese women, all from very different backgrounds, who meet and form close friendships working in the nightclubs of San Francisco, beginning in 1938 and moving through WWII. Unfortunately, the women never felt fully formed and I struggled throughout the
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book to not only keep them straight, but to care about their lives and inevitable secrets. And although the historical aspects were interesting and seemingly well researched, the wooden characters and plodding action made the book more of a task than a pleasure to read. A LTER, 3 disappointed stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
“China Dolls”, begins at the end of the 1930’s, when three young women of Asian descent and highly different backgrounds, meet and become friends. The effects of the Depression are still evident, and WWII is about to begin. The book, however, doesn’t concentrate on the German involvement,
Grace Lee was well brought up. She came from a small town in Ohio and was woefully naïve. Her parents operated a laundry. Helen came from a wealthy family in San Francisco’s Chinatown, her family supplied businesses. She was sheltered and controlled by her family. Ruby came from a traditional Japanese family, a family of fishermen. She was a free spirit. Each had a secret.
Grace ran away from home at 17, because of her father’s physical abuse, and while interviewing for a job as a dancer at The San Francisco Exposition, essentially a World’s Fair to begin in 1939, she met a young man named Joe, with whom she was immediately smitten. She, however, does not get the job dancing there; they are not interested in Asian dancers, so she and Joe part ways. As the story develops, their paths cross again.
After being turned down for that job, Grace meets Ruby. Ruby, like Grace, is looking for a job as a dancer in the flourishing nightclub business of Chinatown, and they unexpectedly become friends. They serendipitously meet Helen, who offers to help them find an apartment. They quickly form a triumvirate. A very properly brought up Chinese young lady, with very strict rules to follow, Helen is surprisingly persuaded by them to also apply for a job as a dancer, although she has no experience dancing or working in show business, they offer to teach her. Helen is unsure, her father would be horrified. She knows he would believe that this kind of a job would bring shame upon the family, and as a traditional Chinese, he believes a woman is of less value than even the worst man. Helen decides to defy her father and take the job when she gets it. The money is better than what she earns in her position at the Telephone Exchange, and she convinces her father that she can better help with their finances by adding more money to her brother Monroe’s school fund. The money persuades her father to allow his “worthless” daughter to take the job. Over the next decade, all three women experience ups and downs, romance, success, failure, joy and tragedy. Chinese proverbs pepper the pages. Sometimes, their friendship stretches the bonds of loyalty and sometimes it ignores them. The effect of world events on their lives and individual futures, rolls out over the pages.
The injustice of the Japanese internment camps is exposed and described in detail. The roundups, helplessness of the victims and panic of the accusers is objectively presented. The cruelty of those in power, their bias and mistrust are all evident. Japanese-Americans were treated almost as poorly as the Jews in Germany, when they were rounded up, although their ultimate fate was far better than those who fell under the hammer of Hitler. They were suspect, and therefore interned like criminals, forced to give up their homes and possessions, confronted by armed guards and vicious dogs, not because of anything they did, but because of the behavior of their Emperor, Emperor Hirohito, who declared war on the United States. America’s behavior was shameful and inexplicable, regardless of its fear of the unknown enemy.
The narrative uncovers the strict culture of the Chinese almost 8 decades ago, the misogyny, the need for a woman to know her place in the world and the family structure. She was required to be absolutely obedient to the patriarch and to provide support for all the males in the family, financially, and in terms of housekeeping and cooking. A hopefully propitious marriage was arranged for her, and her future was planned by her parents.
Ultimately, it felt like it took too long for the war and the racism to be introduced into the narrative. Almost half the book passed before the issue of the Japanese Internment Camps came up. It also seemed to take too long for the issues between the Chinese and Japanese to be introduced. America’s Japanese-American families lost many young men who volunteered to fight for America, in spite of the injustice and cruelty of being uprooted, carted off like animals, and placed in camps. They were Americans, after all; they loved America and wanted to support its war effort. Some made the ultimate sacrifice.
This story begins when Grace is 17, and except for a brief foray into a time forty years later when the story is summed up, it ends when she is 27. She reinvents herself as necessary in order to survive the lean years that come and go. All three women have surprising strength and ability to endure. When Ruby‘s cultural background was betrayed by an unknown person, there were dreadful consequences. The guilty person is not exposed until the very end of the book, but the reader may very well guess who the culprit is, before the last page. The ghastly reason for Helen’s secret shame and behavior is also revealed near the end of the book.
In the time period in which this book occurs, all stripes of prejudice are aired and put on trial, and prejudice is found guilty. The background of the story in the nightclubs of Chinatown is based on historic facts. Charlie Low did open up The Forbidden City, there were famous Chinese dancers and performers and famous Hollywood stars frequented the clubs. There was a “Chinese Frank Sinatra”.
I discovered that there is another book from which Lisa See did a lot of research, for when I looked into the history of Chinatown nightclubs, it popped up on the screen. I thought I was reading a review of “China Dolls” and didn’t realize until after that it was a review of a non-fiction book, written by Trina Robbins, Forbidden City: The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs. Lisa See lists it in her bibliography.
The reader of this audio was good, but she was not able to develop a clear individual voice for each woman and so I was often confused, was it Grace or Ruby speaking? That said, it did not inhibit my enjoyment of the book.
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but rather on the involvement of the Japanese, and it reaches back into history to expose the cruelty of the Japanese when they bombed China in 1937, at the beginning of the second Sino-Japanese War. It exposes the fury that the Chinese people harbor toward the Japanese, and also the racial bias that existed towards those of Japanese heritage after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but it also clearly illuminates the generalized prejudice of Americans toward all those of Asian background, particularly the Chinese, whom they insultingly refer to with many racial slurs, i.e, slant eyes, chinks, etc. The Chinese are inhibited from getting gainful employment, even after being trained in a profession. Helen’s brother was a dentist but was only able to work as a chauffeur. Marriage between the races was a crime. Hate and prejudice reigned. The book also exposes homophobia at that time, and the general atmosphere of disapproval that existed for the performers who worked in the nightclubs, even as they flocked to their shows.Grace Lee was well brought up. She came from a small town in Ohio and was woefully naïve. Her parents operated a laundry. Helen came from a wealthy family in San Francisco’s Chinatown, her family supplied businesses. She was sheltered and controlled by her family. Ruby came from a traditional Japanese family, a family of fishermen. She was a free spirit. Each had a secret.
Grace ran away from home at 17, because of her father’s physical abuse, and while interviewing for a job as a dancer at The San Francisco Exposition, essentially a World’s Fair to begin in 1939, she met a young man named Joe, with whom she was immediately smitten. She, however, does not get the job dancing there; they are not interested in Asian dancers, so she and Joe part ways. As the story develops, their paths cross again.
After being turned down for that job, Grace meets Ruby. Ruby, like Grace, is looking for a job as a dancer in the flourishing nightclub business of Chinatown, and they unexpectedly become friends. They serendipitously meet Helen, who offers to help them find an apartment. They quickly form a triumvirate. A very properly brought up Chinese young lady, with very strict rules to follow, Helen is surprisingly persuaded by them to also apply for a job as a dancer, although she has no experience dancing or working in show business, they offer to teach her. Helen is unsure, her father would be horrified. She knows he would believe that this kind of a job would bring shame upon the family, and as a traditional Chinese, he believes a woman is of less value than even the worst man. Helen decides to defy her father and take the job when she gets it. The money is better than what she earns in her position at the Telephone Exchange, and she convinces her father that she can better help with their finances by adding more money to her brother Monroe’s school fund. The money persuades her father to allow his “worthless” daughter to take the job. Over the next decade, all three women experience ups and downs, romance, success, failure, joy and tragedy. Chinese proverbs pepper the pages. Sometimes, their friendship stretches the bonds of loyalty and sometimes it ignores them. The effect of world events on their lives and individual futures, rolls out over the pages.
The injustice of the Japanese internment camps is exposed and described in detail. The roundups, helplessness of the victims and panic of the accusers is objectively presented. The cruelty of those in power, their bias and mistrust are all evident. Japanese-Americans were treated almost as poorly as the Jews in Germany, when they were rounded up, although their ultimate fate was far better than those who fell under the hammer of Hitler. They were suspect, and therefore interned like criminals, forced to give up their homes and possessions, confronted by armed guards and vicious dogs, not because of anything they did, but because of the behavior of their Emperor, Emperor Hirohito, who declared war on the United States. America’s behavior was shameful and inexplicable, regardless of its fear of the unknown enemy.
The narrative uncovers the strict culture of the Chinese almost 8 decades ago, the misogyny, the need for a woman to know her place in the world and the family structure. She was required to be absolutely obedient to the patriarch and to provide support for all the males in the family, financially, and in terms of housekeeping and cooking. A hopefully propitious marriage was arranged for her, and her future was planned by her parents.
Ultimately, it felt like it took too long for the war and the racism to be introduced into the narrative. Almost half the book passed before the issue of the Japanese Internment Camps came up. It also seemed to take too long for the issues between the Chinese and Japanese to be introduced. America’s Japanese-American families lost many young men who volunteered to fight for America, in spite of the injustice and cruelty of being uprooted, carted off like animals, and placed in camps. They were Americans, after all; they loved America and wanted to support its war effort. Some made the ultimate sacrifice.
This story begins when Grace is 17, and except for a brief foray into a time forty years later when the story is summed up, it ends when she is 27. She reinvents herself as necessary in order to survive the lean years that come and go. All three women have surprising strength and ability to endure. When Ruby‘s cultural background was betrayed by an unknown person, there were dreadful consequences. The guilty person is not exposed until the very end of the book, but the reader may very well guess who the culprit is, before the last page. The ghastly reason for Helen’s secret shame and behavior is also revealed near the end of the book.
In the time period in which this book occurs, all stripes of prejudice are aired and put on trial, and prejudice is found guilty. The background of the story in the nightclubs of Chinatown is based on historic facts. Charlie Low did open up The Forbidden City, there were famous Chinese dancers and performers and famous Hollywood stars frequented the clubs. There was a “Chinese Frank Sinatra”.
I discovered that there is another book from which Lisa See did a lot of research, for when I looked into the history of Chinatown nightclubs, it popped up on the screen. I thought I was reading a review of “China Dolls” and didn’t realize until after that it was a review of a non-fiction book, written by Trina Robbins, Forbidden City: The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs. Lisa See lists it in her bibliography.
The reader of this audio was good, but she was not able to develop a clear individual voice for each woman and so I was often confused, was it Grace or Ruby speaking? That said, it did not inhibit my enjoyment of the book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Pattymclpn
These girls become sisters by chance and friends by choice. Each of them has their own painful story of the past and their survival. When their secrets and actions of betrayal come to light will the sisterhood survive?
This book contains three strong women characters each with their own interesting
This book contains three strong women characters each with their own interesting
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stories to tell. You become immersed into their lives and the time period of the novel. We are given a look at World War II and it’s events from a new and different perspective. The changes that occur in the US as the Japanese are persecuted and sent to internment camps and the effects of the war on the entertainment industry. It keeps you involved in the story and it is an easy read. Definitely the best book that I have read in a while!! If you are at all interested grab it and take a look!!! I give this book a strong 4 out of 5. Show Less
LibraryThing member bearette24
Engaging story about three Asian dancers (two Chinese, one Japanese) in San Francisco during WW II. It was a bit overly dramatic at times, but the characters were well drawn and the story held my attention.
LibraryThing member UnderMyAppleTree
The story of Grace, Helen and Ruby, Chinese Americans coming of age during the World War II era, is told in alternating points of view from each of the three women. They meet by chance while auditioning for the part of showgirl at a nightclub in San Francisco, and soon become good friends, vowing
The women’s characters are well-developed, as are their family, friends and coworkers. Rich with historical detail, the World War II era comes to life. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion are heightened, and we vividly experience the prejudice, discrimination and racism of the times through each of the women’s eyes. Written with cringe-worthy realism, the author vividly portrays an unfortunate period of history where bigotry became acceptable, and even encouraged, to promote patriotism.
Perhaps it was the alternating viewpoints, the large number or characters or the need to fill in a lot of back story, but for me, the book had a slow start. At first the women seemed a lot alike. But once war broke out, their lives took different paths and the plot began to accelerate, following each woman’s life through the end of the war. The novel closes with a jump 50 years into the future, providing a satisfying epilogue to each of their stories.
Audio Production:
Jodi Lang’s narration was performed with emotion and enthusiasm. It took me an hour or so to get comfortable with her style, but once I did, the characters came alive.
Having multiple points-of-view and only one narrator, as opposed to using an ensemble cast, made the audio a little more difficult to follow, especially in the early part of the novel when we are still learning the back story. Plus, there were many secondary characters and their relationships to each women to remember. Jodi did change her voice while performing the narration for each of the girls, but Helen and Grace sounded too similar at times. While this book requires some additional concentration, experienced audio listeners should enjoy the production.
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to never let anything come between them. But through the years their friendships are tested as each tries to outshine the other; secrets are revealed and loyalties are betrayed.The women’s characters are well-developed, as are their family, friends and coworkers. Rich with historical detail, the World War II era comes to life. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion are heightened, and we vividly experience the prejudice, discrimination and racism of the times through each of the women’s eyes. Written with cringe-worthy realism, the author vividly portrays an unfortunate period of history where bigotry became acceptable, and even encouraged, to promote patriotism.
Perhaps it was the alternating viewpoints, the large number or characters or the need to fill in a lot of back story, but for me, the book had a slow start. At first the women seemed a lot alike. But once war broke out, their lives took different paths and the plot began to accelerate, following each woman’s life through the end of the war. The novel closes with a jump 50 years into the future, providing a satisfying epilogue to each of their stories.
Audio Production:
Jodi Lang’s narration was performed with emotion and enthusiasm. It took me an hour or so to get comfortable with her style, but once I did, the characters came alive.
Having multiple points-of-view and only one narrator, as opposed to using an ensemble cast, made the audio a little more difficult to follow, especially in the early part of the novel when we are still learning the back story. Plus, there were many secondary characters and their relationships to each women to remember. Jodi did change her voice while performing the narration for each of the girls, but Helen and Grace sounded too similar at times. While this book requires some additional concentration, experienced audio listeners should enjoy the production.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sleahey
Three young women with ambitions to perform meet in San Francisco before the outbreak of WW II, and vow to be friends forever. Of course, reality gets in the way, along with secrets, history, race, cultural identity, jealousy, and especially secrets. The novel spans the war years in particular, and
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then ends in 1988. Show Less
Awards
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — June 2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014
Physical description
7.98 inches
ISBN
0812982827 / 9780812982824