China Dolls by Lisa See

China Dolls is an interesting historical novel that takes place right before, during and after WWII.  It is about three young Asian American women, who become friends and grow up together. Each women gets to tell her own story. See makes their voices distinct and each character has their own unique storyline however their were moments in which, I had a difficult time believing in their friendship. It felt forced and unrealistic.

Normally, See writes a novel that pulls you in and grabs your attention from page one to the very end but China Dolls has a very different feel to it. It's like a riptide, it pulls you in and then pushes you out.  It isn't as engaging as, See's previous novels. I've come to expect so much more from, See and as a result of this, the book falls flat the saving grace is that it is well researched.

Grade: C