Review: Dreams of Joy

Review: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

I have loved Lisa See's book since Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Then came Shanghai Girls. What a wonderful story about 2 sisters --

Now we have Dreams of Joy to continue the story. I thought it does well enough to stand on its own, but it is helpful to have read Shanghai Girls first to get a little background. The story narrates between Pearl and Joy, which I thought was very enjoyable.

Dreams of Joy starts off with Joy, being May's daughter but Pearl, May's sister raising her her whole life. Joy overhears a conversation between the sisters, finds out May is really her mother. She has grand ideas of returning to her family's homeland of China and helping with the revolution. Also she would like to find her real dad, Z.G. When she finds him and they go to the countryside for what Joy thinks as he is teaching painting to the peasants, really he is being banished.

In the countryside of Green Dragon, Joy thinks she has found it all. Love and happiness, helping her country as she is told. However she has no idea that Pearl is in the country trying to find her. When she finally finds her back in Shanghai, Joy is upset and still angry, and in love, she thinks anyway.

Pearl, Joy and Z.G. make a trip back to the countryside, Joy thinks her happiness will be there with Tao. After they are married though, Joy finds out a completely different side of Tao. She also finds out that the country she has been supporting maybe isn't everything they promised, making them work non-stop and not feeding them in return. The Great Leap Forward may not be so great. Will Joy be able to make it out?

This book was hearbreaking at times but a wonderful book continued about 2 sisters love for each other, even in the hard times. Also it has a bit of a love story and the best part is our love for our children, whether they be biologically or not! Enjoy, Lisa See is a master storyteller!