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)

Did not disappiont

I really enjoyed "Shanghai Girls" and this was a great ending to a great story. The characters come full circle in this book. The story also gives a vivid look at the beginnings of communist China. Beautiful story of the relationships between mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, great loves, lost loves, and new loves.

Great Sequel

A great sequel to Shanghai Girls. Took a while to really get into this one and had problems with the narrator at first. But the second half of the novel really took off and the narrator's voice seemed more appropriate. Ended up exercising more than I intended just to get back to it! I also learned a lot about the reform movement in China. Well done all around.

Can not stop listening.

I was there in China the whole time while reading. I will continue reading sequels.

Amazing!

Great writing, superb performance, and amazing story. Left me crying in tears after listening to this story.

Wonderful conclusion

Another well told story by Lisa See. A wonderful conclusion to Shanghai Girls! No loose ends.

Loved it

What made the experience of listening to Dreams of Joy the most enjoyable?

Wasn't predictable. I learned so much about history and life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pearl, even though she is so serious.

What about Janet Song’s performance did you like?

Excellent! A pleasure to hear!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I certainly could of taken it at one time, but I liked breaking it into several days to digest what was happening to them. Lots to ponder!

A peak into a different world

This book was an adventure, a journey into a different world. I was unfamiliar with this time in Chinese history and found it totally enthralling. The narrator was very talented and an asset to the experience.

Vivid book!

This book was fantastic! it takes the listener through catharsis and creates an amazing imagery!

Another well researched novel

I have read all of Lisa See's other books and am looking forward to her next one. All of her books are written after months, if not years, of research. This one is no different, however this part of history did not set well with me in some parts. It is not Ms. See's fault that history is so ugly, but it was difficult at times to listen to what was happening in the story. It is one thing to be aware of events in history and another thing to hear about it in historical fiction. This is my first See audiobook so maybe I was not ready to listen to the stories I usually read with my eyes. I may still buy the book because I remembered at the end how she usually gives some background on the research she did for the book. I do not recall that being in the audiobook version.

Great sequel!

This is the sequel to Shanghai Girls.

I loved how the story carried on in the novel tightly linked to Shanghai girls. I appreciated how the narration went between mother and daughter. The historical accuracies that are woven within the fictional characters and events transport you back in time and right within the scenes unfolding.