Dreams of Joy
By Lisa See
- Release Date: 2011-05-31
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
#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 reader’s 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 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.
BONUS: This edition contains a Dreams of Joy discussion guide.
Praise for Dreams of Joy
“[Lisa] See is a gifted historical novelist. . . . The real love story, the one that’s 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, See’s research feels impeccable, and she has created an authentic, visually arresting world.”—The Washington Post
Reviews
An unforgettable story of family love
5By YoshiItalianoLisa See weaves unforgettable stories of life in China over various eras. You can relive what life was like in the 1950s under Mao but, most importantly she makes you care about and love the characters, as they come to life on the pages. This is the second book I read by Lisa See and I plan on reading every book she wrote.Another great
4By #beastsauceAnother great book by Lisa See.Excellent
5By HistorFicFanCouldn't put it down. Glad it was available after I finished Shanghai Girls. Great sequel. Highly recommend.Fiction or Not?
5By QueenieVLisa See brings The Great Leap Forward to life. I could feel myself being transported to the PRC and being with Joy & Pearl as they struggled to endure through the real meaning of love & family. A quick & enjoyable read!Dreams of Joy
5By Vallejo VickiWonderful book...I lovedShanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy was so good!! I couldn't put it down ...... Read it!!An amazing continuation
5By BlooberiiDreams of Joy has been enlightening, joyous, heart breaking, and a pleasure to read. Lisa See gives her characters a depth that authors often lack, and I would recommend reading Dreams of Joy after Shanghai Girls to anyone.Dreams of Joy
5By Clausenj14If you like historical fiction with characters that are unforgettable, this is your book. It is dark in subject matter but intense in showing the love between a mother and daughter.Great Sequel
5By Wyo ReaderNot often are sequels equal to the previous book, but Lisa See definitely manages to make that happen with "Dreams of Joy". The character development is great, I miss them when the story is done. I have read "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" and will definitely read more of Lisa See's books.A Must Read!!! :-D
5By Sweetie-KThis book is a must read. It has touched me in so many ways and made me reflect about several different issues. Love, betrayal, trust, forgiveness, family, friendship, the good and bad side of government are all things I pondered while reading this book. The book made me laugh, cry, feel anger and hope. In the end I was left with a satisfying feeling of culmination. You won't want to put this book down.Amazing
5By squirlefaceSo powerful and vivid, I felt like I was experiencing the Peoples Republic of China for myself.One of the best I've ever read
5By PhirunThis book and the prequel has got to be one of the best I've read out there that feature Chinese history. I finished the book in two sitting (150 page per seating lol), which just proves that it's intense and you can't put it down. The characters portray true human characteristics such as emotions. I applaud Lisa See for writing such a great fast pace book that I've encountered in a while. A MUST READ!!!Joy of a Great Book
5By KathleengolfExcellent read....history and fiction expertly combined.Great book!
5By pink dreamsA great read. Extremely intense and heart breaking at moments, I loved this book and found myself living with the characters day and night.Even better than the prequel!
5By lizutuIt is riveting, fascinating and touching. The story of May and Pearl continues through spellbinding historical times in the PRC in the 1950's. More than satisfying as the story unfolds and wraps up. A third novel for a trilogy would be thrilling too!Dreams of Joy
5By Met WatcherI waited a year for this book release. In preparation for it, I re-read Shanghai Girls for continuity. It is everything and more I hoped it would be. Once again, Lisa See nails it!! She hasn't written a dull book yet and doubt she ever will. She has an amazing ability to take a reader back in time, such that, you don't simply read about Pearl, May and now Joy, you live it in the process. You can't put it down, you're on the edge of your seat particularly during the countryside famine. You either adore or despise her characters. There's no in between. You want to reach into the pages and rescue the starving, the persecuted yet utterly strong women and you want to throttle Tao. This story moved me to tears and made me jump with [JOY]!!!!
