Excellent book I would recommend to everyone. It is a historical novel filled with complex characters and detailed locations. I felt I was reading a black and white movie from the 40's...although much of it takes place in Shanghai it is very American in point of view. It breezes along, never bogged down and will make you smile and cry.

Well written, page turner, every character is likable. The story of a family caught up in the downfall of Shanghai. It will give your club a lot to talk about.

Great read, wonderful characters that are fully developed and stay with you long after you've finished the book!

Good read. Very distinctive , memorable characters. The father loved his family but he was a complicated , selfish character. Bo Caldwell composed this story with interesting facts of history and brought the characters to life. I could not put the book down! I feel like I went to Shanghai!