Critical Praise

"Riveting, meticulously researched."

—Kirkus Reviews

"[See’s] prose rings like a temple bell."

—Los Angeles magazine

"A vivid, haunting, and often graphic portrait of a country, and a family, in crisis."

—Booklist

"See keeps her eyes focused on the women --- their standing, their predicaments, their resourcefulness."

—The Seattle Times

"See’s many readers will be pleased to see the continued development of Pearl and May’s relationship…. [She] creates an immersive atmosphere."

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Astonishing…one of those hard-to-put-down-until-four-in-the-morning books…a story with characters who enter a reader’s life, take up residence, and illuminate the myriad decisions and stories that make up human history."

—Los Angeles Times

"[Lisa] See is a gifted historical novelist…. The real love story, the one that’s artfully shown, is between mother and daughter, and aunt and daughter, as both of the women who had a part in making Joy return [come] to her rescue…. [In Dreams of Joy,] there are no clear heroes or villains, just people who often take wrong turns to their own detriment but for the good of the story, leading to greater strength of character and more durable relationships."

—San Francisco Chronicle

"A heartwarming story of heroic love between a mother and daughter…. No writer has better captured the voice and heart of Chinese culture."

—Bookreporter.com

"Once again, See’s research feels impeccable, and she has created an authentic, visually arresting world."

—The Washington Post

"Excellent…. [Dreams of Joy] lives up to its predecessor’s magic."

—The Dallas Morning News

"[Lisa] See’s fans will be glad to read more about Pearl, May and Joy, and See’s recurring themes of unbreakable family bonds and strong-willed women."

—The Oregonian