Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

The story begins in Shanghai in 1937. May and Pearl are sisters through with schooling and are exploring the streets and sights of one of the world's most beautiful cities. Then their world comes crashing down around them. Their father has lost all his wealth and possessions due to gambling and to pay off his debt, May and Pearl have been placed in an arranged marriage to two young American Chinese men. Pearl, being the oldest, is charged with looking after May, and they are decidedly not interested in going to America, throw away the tickets and continue their lives until Japanese bombs begin to fall on their beloved city. This is an intimate peek at the lives and times of the Chinese in both China and in America. Very interesting, and also disturbing, I recommend it. Sandy Penton