Dreams of Joy

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Janet Song

Length: 15 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and, most recently, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the potent bonds of mother love, romantic love, and love of country. Now, in her most powerful novel yet, she returns to these timeless themes, continuing 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, and anger at her mother and aunt for keeping them from her, 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.

Acclaimed for her richly drawn characters and vivid storytelling, Lisa See once again renders a family challenged by tragedy and time, yet ultimately united by the resilience of love.

©2011 Lisa See (P)2011 Random House

Critic reviews

“See’s emotional themes are powerful... the bonds of sisterhood [and] the psychological journey of becoming an American.” (The Washington Post)

“A broadly sweeping tale.... The detail is thoughtful and intricate.” (The New York Times)

“[See evokes] a time and place with tantalizing detail.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

Awesome

Loved it!!! Great story and historical novel! I couldn't stop listening. The strong women made it the best!

An Engaging Story

It's an engaging story but not as good as the first novel, Shanghai Girls or the Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. But it was still quite fascinating! I love the picture given of China of the era and the great details. The mom character drags the story down a bit, with what becomes rather a long whine. Yes she has cause, but the story needed a few more uplifting elements. Still I have no regrets and did enjoy the book overall.

Touching character interactions Storyline solid

I expected much less. Kept moving. Personal insight universal. Sequel equal or surpassed original. Excellent.

Excellent read

If you like historical fiction, you will love this text. Lisa See takes you back to the 1950s in China vividly describing the atrocities that took place and the courage of some to persevere.

Joy’s struggle

Loved and enjoyed the whole story, the way it is portrayed. Love between the two sisters and love for the family.

Love the history

Excellent read as are all of Lisa See’s books. Characters are well developed and amazing history of communist rule.

Addicting

The story captivates you and takes you on a journey to another time and another country.

Incredible, I learned so much.

Couldn’t put it down, even better than Shanghai Girls, but of course, should be read in order. Fantastic.

What it is to be Chinese, What it is to be free

After listening to Shanghai Girls, I couldn't wait to start the sequel. The story of young idealistic Joy, sweet innocent daughter of Pearl who flees INTO communist China is absolutely engrossing, and like so many young people who get caught up in a dream. And the lives of May and Pearl also continue, as they face heartbreaking truths about themselves and their past. The historical facts included in this fictional story about what happened inside China during the early years of Mao are chilling, eye opening, even to us who think we know the evils of communism. The first hand accounts of the suffering and death of the Chinese people at the hands of this regime are horrifying, and the shift from glorious hope in equality to eventual utter despair of these proud, resilient people . . . well, it is evil in it's purest form. It is about power. It isn't and never was about equality.

Lisa See Never Disappoints

Dreams of Joy is a worthy sequel to Shanghai Girls. Beautifully written and sublimely read by Janet Song, it brings the characters full circle in a sometimes heart-stopping story. Loved it!!