Book Description 

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don’t know the whole story. 

Portland, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of the notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she’s a “shanghaied” victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival—being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment—she fears that far more than her own fate hangs in the balance.

As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers’ massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.

A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.

My Review 

This was an interesting piece of historical fiction that sheds light on the plight of Chinese-American immigrants in the late 1800s. The plot synopsis makes it sound like most of the narrative is devoted to Celia’s ordeal after being “shanghaied”, but over half of the book takes place before she finds herself abducted. This didn’t bother me– if anything, her struggles in trying to survive were more interesting than the abduction. 

I kept checking to see if this book was classified as YA because the writing style and basic plot structure were giving a YA vibe, as the kids would say. I don’t intend this observation to be a criticism– if anything, an unpretentious writing style makes the book more accessible to a wider audience. 

I would recommend The Girls of Good Fortune. This historical fiction book was clearly well researched and provides the reader with insight into a period of American history that most people don’t know about because the story of Chinese immigrants is rarely taught in schools. Celia overcame so many obstacles.    

I received a digital ARC of this book from Sourcebooks/NetGalley