Lisa See is the author of one of my favourite fiction books - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
- which was recently adapted into a film. I also was entranced by Peony in Love
. Her stories transcend time but are rooted in history to bring alive themes of love between mother and daughter, love between best friends and love for one's country. A captivating story teller, Lisa See's books illuminate the Chinese culture in a way that makes me yearn to know more.When I saw her latest book, Dreams of Joy
, the sequel to Shanghai Girls 
at the book store, I snapped it up with great anticipation. The title and the image on the front led me to believe that this would be a joyful story. And while it is is another beautifully written novel that has great depth and poignancy, it could have used a warning label. The book is set during a tragic period in China's history called the Great Leap Forward. During this time period of 1958-1961, the Communist Party of China instituted reforms intended to transform the country from an agrarian economy to a modern industrial society. In short, the reform initiative was a disaster and millions of people died in a horrific famine and by violence at the hands of party officials. The horror of living through this time is conveyed in great detail through the eyes of the main characters of the story, Joy and her mother Pearl. I am not at all sorry that I read this book, but I did not realize what I was getting into.... If you are looking for a light summer read, this book is not for you.
Title: Dreams of Joy
Author: Lisa See
Publisher: Random House 2011
Category: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 354
7 comments:
My darling ingrid....you are making my "to-read" pile even more ridiculous. This sounds interesting though and I am adding it to my ever-growing Amazon list as we speak. Thank you for popping over to my blog to comment. I'm happy you enjoyed the poem. You're right, nobody rocks is like Ms. Angelou!
xo
Sada
Dressology HQ
I have not read her work before! But now my curiosity got the better of me:)
Thanks for the review, Ingrid. I'll look out for this one. Have you read Mao's biography by Jung Chang? Now that is one scary read! I don't think most people realise just how horrific that time was and just how evil that man was throughout his entire career (and I don't use that word lightly). On a more frivolous note... that cover is divine :) Kx
I have indeed heard of the author but have yet to read this book. I like your description of it. Must try and get a copy at the next bookshop visit. Have a nice weekend.
P.S: Have you heard the Lucian Freud news ?
Hi Ingrid,
I am in the midst of reading this as well - actually I listen via talking books. Did you know it is the sequel to Shanghai Girls? Might want to save Dreams of Joy until you've finished the former.Happy reading!
Thanks for the "heads up" Ingrid...judging a book by it's cover comes to mind here!
Pop over to see some of your divine masterpieces ~ and I am awaiting you on Pinterest, a very fun activity for summer heat!
Nathalie
Definitely not a light read -wow. Such a dark period to write about, and I hope the author did it justice.
Enjoy Lucy Worsley's latest! I don't have the book yet but the TV series was brilliant.
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