The story unfolds in San Francisco (California) between 1938 and 1948, beginning amidst the lingering effects of the Great Depression of 1929 and extending past the Second World War into the late twentieth century.
The book is organized into chapters, each narrated in the first person by one of the protagonists. Three American women of Asian descent—Grace, Helen, and Ruby—meet in San Francisco when they begin working at a nightclub. Despite their differences, the three develop a complex relationship that oscillates between camaraderie and rivalry over the years. Each woman comes from a distinct background and economic situation: Grace is on her own, having left her small town with dreams of becoming an artist but no means to support herself; Helen hails from a wealthy family and adheres to the traditional values instilled by her Chinese father; and Ruby, originally from Hawaii, is singularly focused on achieving fame and fortune in show business.
In addition to exploring the actions and circumstances surrounding the protagonists, the novel delves deeply into the experiences of Asians living in the United States during much of the twentieth century. They faced significant challenges in integrating into various aspects of society, including education and employment, due to pervasive discrimination, despite being legally recognized as equals. Employment opportunities were often limited to specific sectors, such as dry cleaning and restaurants, and they were barred from participating in many forms of entertainment.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the situation worsened for Japanese Americans. Authorities, unable or unwilling to distinguish between Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans, grouped them together and subjected them to suspicion. Many Japanese Americans, even those born in the United States, were forcibly relocated to internment camps, and their personal histories were scrutinized.
Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses the growth and resilience of the three protagonists as they navigate these societal challenges and carve out paths to success. The story also reflects the broader social changes occurring in the country, highlighting both progress and setbacks.
The novel provides a detailed exploration of the protagonists' psychological journeys, focusing on their ambitions, betrayals, achievements, and struggles with societal and personal boundaries. Their stories are united by a common thread of determination, illustrating how far each is willing to go to achieve her dreams, even if it means breaking her own rules. Ultimately, the book serves as a tribute to the perseverance and strength of these real women.
It is an engaging novel, meticulously researched and skillfully written. The subject matter, centered around cabarets, carries a strong element of sensuality, though the narrative avoids overly detailed descriptions.
Lisa See (born in 1955) is an author of Chinese descent who, though born in France, grew up in the United States, where she later settled with her family. She is known for her novels that often explore themes related to Asian culture and history. See studied in the United States and contributes to various newspapers.