I read/finished an adult, literary book for the first time in a hundred years (where 100 years = since early February). Women of the Silk takes place in 1920s and 30s China. The women in the book work in a silk factory and commit to remaining single, which is the only refuge from being sold into marriage to whatever advantageous boor their family selects for them. When Pei first arrives at the house where girl workers dorm, she thinks her life is over, but despite some harrowing times to come, it's a good move for her. Pei is the protagonist, but the omniscient narration includes the thoughts of Pei's taciturn parents, her friends at the house, and others. There's a little romance, but mostly the story centers friendship.