Dreams of Joy

By Lisa See

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - In this stunning historical novel, the celebrated author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan presents "a heartwarming love story of heroic love between a mother and daughter" (Bookreporter) during revolutionary-era China.

"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 Dreams of Joy, 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812980549
• ISBN13: 9780812980547
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: Random House Trade
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Follow up to Shanghai Girls

I was thrilled that I purchased Dreams of Joy when I purchased Shanghai Girls. I was able to continue with the amazing journey and follow them through their return to China. Highly recommend all of Lisa Sees books.

Been dying to read this!

After reading Shanghai Girls, readers were left wanting to know even more about Pearl and May. Well, all prayers have been answered and then some! If you liked Shanghai Girls or Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, you'll love Dreams of Joy.

Great Perspective on History!

I felt as if I learned a great deal as I navigated China's political landscape with See's characters.