Dreams of Joy

In her latest novel, Lisa See explores the enduring bonds of family through the eyes of Joy, the strong-willed daughter of Pearl and the niece of May, characters from her previous work, Shanghai Girls. Set against the backdrop of 1957 Shanghai, Joy embarks on a quest to uncover her identity and her birth father, the artist Z.G. Li, while also navigating the dangers of a communist regime. As Pearl, desperate to protect her daughter, traverses the complexities of their strained relationship, both women confront their pasts amidst the unfolding turmoil of one of China's most tragic historical moments. See's storytelling highlights the resilience of love in the face of adversity, making for a poignant and gripping narrative.