As I mentioned in the last ‘Good Reads for Your Weekend‘:
I think I’ll spend some time lounging on the couch with my Nook, reading “Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See, writing some blog posts, listening to music — I’ve been hooked on Anna Nalick’s “Wreck of the Day” album (it never gets old) — and of course, wedding planning.
This weekend, that’s exactly what I did. Well, to be honest, I did more wedding planning than anything. But, I did spend quite a bit of time reading “Shanghai Girls.” I’m about halfway through the book, which is the second I’ve read by Lisa See — the first was “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.” If you haven’t read any of her books, I’d highly suggest that you do.
Shanghai, the old French Concession area near Nanking Road.
The two novels I’ve read are both set in historic periods in China: the days of foot binding and of the Second Sino-Japanese War (during World War II), respectively. See provides such an eye-opening description of those delicate times, giving readers who are not familiar with the traditional Chinese culture a close look at what they could have expected to experience in those times. As someone who finds herself to be deeply enthralled when learning about different cultures, I have been fascinated by these novels.
But what has captured me most is See’s writing style. Her intensely descriptive narratives offer strong depictions of the sights and sounds of Shanghai and smaller Chinese villages, the flaws of each character and most of all, the weighted emotions that come along with each storyline. The plots are not light, but rather heavy and immensely tragic — and she beautifully (…seemingly effortlessly) weaves her words and sentences together to create such awe-inspiring novels that won’t be easily forgotten.
To read more about her novels, visit Lisa See’s website. Happy reading to you all!
Pathos Photos via photo pin cc
Historical fiction is my fave — thanks for the recommendation!
Sure thing!