China Dolls

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Jodi Long

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A fascinating portrait of life as a Chinese American woman in the 1930s and ’40s.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Superb . . . This emotional, informative and brilliant page-turner resonates with resilience and humanity.”—The Washington Post (One of the Best Books of the Year)

San Francisco, 1938: A world’s fair is preparing to open on Treasure Island, a war is brewing overseas, and the city is alive with possibilities. Talented Grace, traditional Helen, and defiant Ruby, three young women from very different backgrounds, meet by chance at the exclusive and glamorous Forbidden City nightclub. The girls become fast friends, relying on one another through unexpected challenges and shifting fortunes. When their dark secrets are exposed and the invisible thread of fate binds them even tighter, they find the strength and resilience to reach for their dreams. But after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion threaten to destroy their lives, and a shocking act of betrayal changes everything.

Praise for China Dolls

“A sweeping, turbulent tale of passion, friendship, good fortune, bad fortune, perfidy and the hope of reconciliation.”—Los Angeles Times

“Bravo! Here’s a roaring standing ovation for this heartwarming journey into the glittering golden age of Chinese nightclubs.”—Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

“Lisa See masterfully creates unforgettable characters that linger in your memory long after you close the pages.”—Bookreporter

“Stellar . . . The depth of See’s characters and her winning prose make this book a wonderful journey through love and loss.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

I love Lisa See - but I didn't love this

Would you try another book from Lisa See and/or Jodi Long?

Definitely.

If you’ve listened to books by Lisa See before, how does this one compare?

Not nearly as engaging.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Sure, it was fine.

Was China Dolls worth the listening time?

Yes and no. There were bits that were really good, but for the most part, it felt drawn out, repetitive and almost boring.

Any additional comments?

I truly have adored all of Lisa See's other books (not including the mysteries, which are a whole different thing). But this book just didn't have the same emotional and factual depth.

However, the last hour of the book was really good, much more interesting than the rest. Kind of made it end on a good note, at least.

A story that needed telling, but tough to read

Lisa See is, as always, an excellent storyteller. This book is well written and well paced. Chinese literature is rarely uplifting, and this book is no exception. That being said, the story is about an important time in U.S.history, and worth a listen.

its ok and just ok

Not one of lisa sees best books. I just was not connected to the characters. To me they lacked depth and I don't really understand why these women are friends. They shouldn't be in my opinion after all the constant back biting and back stabbing. I don't quite understand.

Great story!

I loved this book, but found it a difficult listen because the narrator doesn’t read the story, she YELLS the story.

Love and hate in friendships

Survival among adversity. The three main characters did their best to achieve and move forward despite set backs and heartaches. They helped each other survive.