Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

 

Dreams of Joy is a great follow-up novel to Shanghai Girls.  Author Lisa See, does an amazing job continuing the story of Pearl, May, ZG and Joy through China's New Society of Red China.  The atrocities that the people of China endure are horrific, and Lisa See, once again, reveals her talent to bringing a vision of history to the written word. This is a great read and one book clubs will love to discuss.

SYNOPSIS by Barnes & Noble

In her most powerful novel yet, acclaimed author Lisa See returns to the story of sisters Pearl and May from Shanghai Girls, and Pearl’s strong-willed nineteen-year-old daughter, Joy. Reeling from newly uncovered family secrets, Joy runs away to Shanghai in early 1957 to find her birth father—the artist Z. G. Li, with whom both May and Pearl were once in love. Dazzled by him, and blinded by idealism and defiance, Joy throws herself into the New Society of Red China, heedless of the dangers in the Communist regime. Devastated by Joy’s flight and terrified for her safety, Pearl is determined to save her daughter, no matter the personal cost. From the crowded city to remote villages, Pearl confronts old demons and almost insurmountable challenges as she follows Joy, hoping for reconciliation. Yet even as Joy’s and Pearl’s separate journeys converge, one of the most tragic episodes in China’s history threatens their very lives.

RATING 4 STARS