Dreams of Joy: A Novel (Shanghai Girls)

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Astonishing . . . one of those hard-to-put-down-until-four-in-the morning books . . . a story with characters who enter a readers life, take up residence, and illuminate the myriad decisions and stories that make up human history.Los Angeles Times In her most powerful novel yet, acclaimed author Lisa See returns to the story of sisters Pearl and May from Shanghai Girls, and Pearls 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 fatherthe 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 Joys 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 Joys and Pearls separate journeys converge, one of the most tragic episodes in Chinas history threatens their very lives. Praise for Dreams of Joy [Lisa] See is a gifted historical novelist. . . . The real love story, the one thats artfully shown, is between mother and daughter, and aunt and daughter, as both of the women who had a part in making Joy return to China come to her rescue. . . . [In Dreams of Joy,] there are no clear heroes or villains, just people who often take wrong turns to their own detriment but for the good of the story, leading to greater strength of character and more durable relationships.San Francisco Chronicle A heartwarming story of heroic love between a mother and daughter . . . No writer has better captured the voice and heart of Chinese culture.Bookreporter Once again, Sees research feels impeccable, and she has created an authentic, visually arresting world.The Washington Post