China Dolls by Lisa See

Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1930s and 1940s, the story follows the intertwined lives of three young women, Grace, Helen, and Ruby, who forge an unlikely friendship while working as dancers at the glamorous Forbidden City nightclub. As they navigate the challenges of cultural expectations, personal secrets, and the looming threat of World War II, their bond is tested by betrayal and the harsh realities of a world that often sees them as outsiders. Through resilience and determination, they strive to find their place in a rapidly changing society, discovering the true meaning of friendship and identity along the way.

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