One-line summary:

“China Dolls” is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the lives of three young women who form a bond while pursuing their dreams as dancers in San Francisco’s Chinatown during World War II.

The Story:

Set against the backdrop of World War II, “China Dolls” by Lisa See tells the story of three young women, Grace, Helen, and Ruby, who form an unlikely friendship while pursuing their dreams as dancers in San Francisco’s Chinatown. As they navigate the challenges of racism, love, and betrayal, their bond is tested, and they must confront their own secrets and desires.

Grace Lee, a Chinese American, is the daughter of a traditional Chinese family. She rebels against her parents’ expectations and leaves her small town to pursue a career as a dancer. In San Francisco, she meets Helen Fong, a Japanese American who is also determined to become a dancer. Despite the tensions between their respective communities due to the war, Grace and Helen form a close friendship and become roommates.

Ruby Tom, a Chinese American who passes as Japanese, joins their group and completes the trio. Ruby is ambitious and uses her beauty and charm to get ahead in the entertainment industry. Together, the three women navigate the competitive world of show business, facing racism and discrimination along the way.

As the war intensifies, the lives of Grace, Helen, and Ruby become more complicated. Helen’s family is sent to an internment camp, and she must make a difficult decision about her loyalty to her country and her friendship with Grace. Meanwhile, Grace falls in love with a Chinese American soldier, Joe, who is haunted by his past and struggles with his identity.

The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of dreams. It sheds light on the experiences of Chinese and Japanese Americans during a time of intense racial tension and discrimination. Through the lives of Grace, Helen, and Ruby, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities and the resilience they displayed in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Friendship can transcend cultural and racial boundaries.
• Identity is complex and can be shaped by societal expectations and personal choices.
• The pursuit of dreams requires determination and resilience, even in the face of adversity.

“We were three little girls who had been taught that our job was to make the best of what we were given. And that’s what we did.”

In “China Dolls,” Lisa See weaves a compelling tale of friendship, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of World War II and the challenges faced by Chinese and Japanese Americans. Through the lives of Grace, Helen, and Ruby, the reader is transported to a tumultuous time in history and gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and the power of resilience.