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)

Captivating and well worth a credit

Where does Dreams of Joy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

If you have listened to the first book "Shanghai Girls" and if you liked that book, this is the sequel. In my opinion, the sequel is even better than Shanghai Girls. You will enter a world that you probably have heard of, but not really "met" in depth, such as Lisa See will introduce you too. This book enrobes part history of PROC, USA and most importantly brings you closer to understand what happens to humans when we are not allowed to be human. The book is very well researched, well written and I could not put my Ipod down! It is not predictable (whohoo)!!

What did you like best about this story?

The human aspect, the descriptions of the different characters and that is was not predictable!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Joy convinces the leader to let her send the package to her mom

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

Yes, it was - I got up this Saturday morning at 6:00 am , and I finished the remaining story at noon! What will I read next?

Any additional comments?

Excellent book, not light hearted, but not too academically hard that you can't follow the thoughts.

Harrowing and incredible

I was very simply completely unprepared for the journey this book took me on. After finishing Shanghai Girls, the first part of this story, I jumped directly into this book eagerly interested in finding out what happened to Pearl, Mei, and Joy. With mounting horror, I listened to the narrator's expert performance of the horrors of the famine and the Great Leap Forward, which I can unabashedly tell you is absolute nightmare fuel. Worth pursuing to the end though, as See holds your attention and the suspense until the very last moment. Highly recommended, just make sure you have someone you love to hold you tight as you pass through the story.

dreams of joy

another great lisa see book, looking forward to reading more of hers; narrator was terrific and love the sequel

I love this story

Love the story and the narrator. Some comments state they don't like Janet Songs narrative style. I LOVE her voice and stylings! She's perfect for this tale.

Wonderful Book

Full of hardship, but a beautiful story. Janet See's historical novels always please me, enjoy.

Lisa See does it again!

Wow!!!
This book was a full on Historica lesson on how Communism/ Socialism changed China forever.
Once again the research Lisa See does is amazing.
More review in IG @motherlambreads

A must read after Shanghai Girls!!

Lisa See does an excellent job with the historical back drop. Her characters are strong but extremely lovable women. Loved the book! So sad it had to come to an end. The reader, Janet Song, does an amazing job with the voices of the different characters. Actually the best I've ever listened to.

Pain and joy

This story was hard to listen to at times - like the author’s other work- but I’m glad I stuck it out to the end.
The horror of what happened in China during the famine of the early 60s is described in excruciating detail.
The characters are believable and the world they inhabit is clearly drawn.

Incredible!

This is an absolutely stunning, beautiful and unique story. I'm actually a bit speechless and sad that it's over. I highly recommend this book/audible. The narrator was perfect. The writing incredibly well researched. Wonderful characters. Had me on the edge of my seat to the end!

Stick with it….

I bought it because I wanted to hear the rest of Pearl and Joy’s story. I loved it because I learned so much.