Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Shanghai 1937- Wars looms on the horizon but sisters Pearl and May Dragon take no notice. Posing for artists, going to clubs, and spending their father's money consumes all their time. Until the day their father announces the money is gone and he has sold them as brides to Chinese men in Los Angeles. Thus begins their journey to America. During this journey both sisters make what could be called the ultimate sacrifice. Once in America Pearl and May each try to build a new life for themselves, each in her own way but resentment and pain strains the bond between them. It takes tragedy to bring the sister back together.

The beginning of this book is pure fun with Pearl and May living the high life in Shanghai. As beautiful girl models May and Pearl are minor celebrities in Shanghai. They don't want to go to America or enter an arranged marriage. They are modern girls after all. Pearl is the smarter and more caring sister, May is the little sister, prettier and spoiled.

Pearl began to tire me with her constant sacrificing and by the middle of the book I almost disliked May with her selfish ways. When May reveals her biggest betrayal towards the end of the book I wanted to smack her. Again it is up to Pearl to try and make things right.

I know a book is a good when it elicits so much emotion from me but the end of this book felt me a little empty. Maybe because I can not imagine how Pearl will accomplish what she plans. But I learned a lot about Chinese culture and the horrible racism the Chinese endured in America. All in all a very good book. I'm looking forward to reading two of Lisa See's other books, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Peony in Love.