There is obviously a Chinese connection in all of Lisa See’s books because of the American-Chinese family that See belongs to. China Dolls, her latest, is the story of three American-Asian nightclub performers during the Thirties and Forties.
Helen Fong, Ruby Tom, and Grace Lee come from troubled backgrounds, end up as entertainers and have their fates intertwined in a tragic tale of struggle, love, betrayal and ambition.
There is undoubtedly a great deal of research involved in creating the backdrop of the whole period, and See does a terrific job of it, but I did find the three main characters only to get along with each other because they grow weary of constantly fighting and competing amongst themselves.
Yet, China Dolls manages to convey an intriguing tale of survival and triumph of three women against all odds.
The first person narration that Lisa See adopts for the three characters may appear to be confusing at first, but then it becomes the strength of the plot that’s engaging and has an ending that should leave you satisfied.
If nothing, read it for the vivid imagery of the nightclubs of the Thirties and Forties which offer a sterling perspective of America during World War II.
