Lisa See's Shanghai Girls intricately weaves historical and emotional narratives, capturing the essence of sisterhood amid cultural upheavals. Critics appreciate its vivid depiction of 1930s Shanghai and immigrant struggles in America. Some find the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped but praise the strong central bond between sisters.

Readers who enjoy Shanghai Girls by Lisa See are often intrigued by historical fiction that delves into familial bonds and cultural heritage. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See will find similar emotional depth, strong female characters, and rich storytelling about identity and resilience.

Shanghai Girls, a historical novel by Lisa See, follows sisters Pearl and May Chin from 1937 Shanghai to Los Angeles over a 20-year span, exploring themes of familial duty, cultural identity, and the bond of sisterhood amidst the backdrop of wartime China and the Chinese immigrant experience in America. The novel includes depictions of suicide, torture, rape, and wartime atrocities.

Emotional / Challenging / Melancholic / Nostalgic / Mysterious

- The story of Shanghai Girls features authentic depictions of Chinese culture, which is a trademark of Lisa See's writing, as she often explores the complex history and experiences of Chinese and Chinese American communities.
- Lisa See was inspired to write Shanghai Girls after a visit to the Shanghai Museum, where she saw a photography exhibition depicting glamorous women of 1930s Shanghai, which sparked her imagination about the lives of women during that era.
- Shanghai Girls not only delves into the glamorous life in pre-WWII Shanghai but also sheds light on the immigrant experience in mid-20th century Los Angeles, reflecting the dynamic shifts of the time.

**Pearl Chin**  
A 21-year-old college graduate living in Shanghai, known for her obedience and nightlife enjoyment, who faces dramatic life changes as she navigates familial responsibilities and immigration to America.

**May Chin**  
Pearl's charming and beautiful younger sister who is impulsive and resourceful, with ambitions in the movie industry, contrasting Pearl's cautious nature.

**Old Man Louie**  
An elderly businessman and family patriarch in Chinatown, known for his traditional values and harsh demeanor, who eventually softens towards his daughters-in-law.

**Sam**  
Louie's eldest son and Pearl's husband, characterized by his dutiful and conscientious nature, who struggles with his family background and immigration status.

**Vern**  
Sam's intellectually disabled younger brother, Vern, is known for his generosity and love for building models, who faces significant health challenges later in life.

**Joy**  
Raised as Pearl's daughter but biologically May's, she grows up with a bold and venturesome spirit, and eventually becomes critical of her family's insular lifestyle.

**Yen-yen**  
Louie's wife, with a history of early trauma, known for her affable temperament and hard work in the family business, who displays kindness to her daughters-in-law. 

**Z.G.**  
A charismatic painter who plays a significant role in May's life and is known for his revolutionary ideologies and appreciable art work inspired by the Chin sisters.

**Mrs. Chin**  
The wealthy and traditional mother of Pearl and May, who faces adversity during the Japanese attack on Shanghai and reveals her devotion to her daughters.

**Mr. Chin**  
The father of Pearl and May, known for his formerly prosperous rickshaw business and gambling issues, leading him to resort to drastic measures before disappearing.

Lisa See

Adult

Novel

Shanghai Girls

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Shanghai Girls and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Shanghai Girls Summary and Study Guide

Background

Shanghai Girls Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Fate”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Shanghai Girls Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-10

Shanghai Girls Part 1, Chapters 5-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Fortune”

Part 2, Chapters 11-15

Shanghai Girls Part 2, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Destiny”

Part 3, Chapters 16-20

Shanghai Girls Part 3, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 21-25

Shanghai Girls Part 3, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Shanghai Girls Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Shanghai Girls Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Shanghai Girls Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Shanghai Girls Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Shanghai Girls Essay Topics

Shanghai Girls

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Shanghai Girls?

Reading Age

Book Details