On
Monday, November 5th, we had a wonderful discussion about the lives of
the characters in Lisa See's Dreams of Joy. We all agreed that this
book brings the story of May and Pearl full circle. It was refreshing
to see how they found love, and themselves, after the rollercoaster life
of heartache, loss, and a very few momentary joys they experienced in
Shanghai Girls.
We
were also introduced to Joy, May's daughter. As the story developed,
we grew to love her. Several incidents in her life made us wish we could
reach her and talk some sense into her to "right" her ways. Yet, she
was able to pull through and emerge stronger.
The
realistic (fiction) nature of this story also gave us a glimpse into
how human beings respond to injustices, hardship, hunger, and oppression.
We saw how Joy's early enthusiasm under these stressors turned to
disillusionment and despair, how Z.G. Was able to navigate a system he
did not agree with, to survive. We saw how Pearl was willing to sacrifice
so much, becoming a paper collector, coming to her childhood home
inhabited by pitiful "nails", to find the daughter she loves. And
finally, we saw how Pearl's and May's father was able to make amends for
the way that his vices and poor choices sent May's and Pearl's life
into a heart wrenching tailspin.
It
was wonderfuly stimulating to learn from each other as we shared our
thoughts and perspectives! We are all looking forward to the next book!
Miggy
Hi Bookworms,
ReplyDeleteLadies it was with such joy and anticipation I looked forward to our book club this week. And Miggy, you did not disappoint! Meeting at Veggie Heaven was so apropos. I appreciated the thought you put into making the questions- designing them in red envelopes - bringing us ginger tea, and ordering those special foods for us to taste. But most of all, after our week of hardships after Hurricane Sandy, it was the comfort of enjoying precious time with my Neary family that soothed my soul. Thank you everyone, for staying committed to our Neary Book Club!
I love you all--
XXOO
Robin
Hi bookworms,
DeleteI was so looking forward to our book club this month, not only because I was going to see all of you and that I enjoyed the book ver much, but the fact that we were going to meet at Veggie Heaven. I really like that restaurant. The book really touched me at many levels. The frustration I had towards Joy not taking her mothers advice and having to suffer greatly because of it. As mothers we so want to shelter our children from horrible heartaches. I was so moved by her incredible strength when she became a mother, to protect her daughter and persevere. The hunger that they had to endure was unimaginable. The part with the baby swap was ghastly. Thank God it was a happy ending. Thank you Miggy for hosting and for making it fun with your questions in the red envelops and the tea bags. We surely are very creative women and know how to make events fun. I am always appreciative of all of you.
Until our next book!
Mary
I cherish my time with you all as well!
ReplyDelete