#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.
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
