Shanghai GirlsShanghai Girls
Score Modern
What it's about
In 1937, Shanghai is the Paris of Asia, and sisters Pearl and May Chin are having the time of their lives, thanks to their father's prosperous rickshaw business. Though both defy authority and tradition, they couldn't be more different, and when their world collapses, their bond is tested.
Why it's worth reading
It spent 44 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists. It's a moving saga of sisterhood and immigration.
You'll love it if you liked
Lady Tan's Circle of Women
The Joy Luck Club
PachinkoGood to know
It includes violence and sexual assault.
By the numbers
- Readers34 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller54 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #234 of the 309 literary novels we rank
- #1051 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1943 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Moving
If you like this, read next
All the Light We Cannot See
Americanah
A Little Life
The Help
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The Nickel BoysExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →Quick answers
Is Shanghai Girls worth reading?
Yes. It spent 44 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists. It ranks #1,943 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 64.4 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Shanghai Girls about?
In 1937, Shanghai is the Paris of Asia, and sisters Pearl and May Chin are having the time of their lives, thanks to their father's prosperous rickshaw business. Though both defy authority and tradition, they couldn't be more different, and when their world collapses, their bond is tested.
How long does it take to read Shanghai Girls?
About 8 hours (337 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Shanghai Girls?
If you liked it, try Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.


















