Thank you @uplitreads and @williammorrow for the #gifted free copy of this book.  

 

“It wasn’t enough for a woman to be talented, clever, and good.” 

 

Powerhouse historical fiction authors, Quinn (one of my forever favorite authors) and Chang (this is my first by her), combine forces to tell the tale of unlikely friends surviving the unthinkable and united for justice.  

 

The heart of this story is its women and the bonds they form.  Four dynamic females:  Gemma the opera singer, Suling the Chinese seamstress, Alice the botanist, and Nellie the artist.  

 

Alice was my favorite.  She shined on these pages just as she shined in real life.  I was fascinated by her.  So enigmatic.  So different from the women of her time.  Bold. Brazen.  A true standout!

 

These women: fully capable and talented as individuals, yet fierce and unparalleled when they joined forces.  A true testament to the female bond.  

 

The author’s note (a must read) highlights the meticulous research that went into this book.  The storyline is rich in history and well explores San Francisco’s heyday in juxtaposition to the lowly Chinese community. Vivid scenes from the earthquake and subsequent fire were well depicted.  I especially appreciated the look at stollen Chinese antiquities and the racist laws of the time. 

 

For fellow Quinn devotees, it’s important to note that this read is different than what we find in her solo endeavors. With alternating narratives, the depth and complexity I associate with her writing was not prominent.  Instead, the elements of collaboration are given space, allowing Chang’s style room to breathe.  

 

It felt apropos to read a book about female friendship with some fabulous female friends:  @bookmarked.by.becky @rachellelovesbooks @readingfortheseasons @sarahgreatbooktoread @shesbecomingbookish @thatsoneforthebooks