Exploring Shanghai’s Elite: A Book Review of ‘Women of Good Fortune’ by Sophie Wan @HarlequinBooks #bookreview

In “Women of Good Fortune,” a reluctant bride and her friends navigate the complexities of high-society Shanghai, culminating in a daring plan to secure their financial futures.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the DRC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Lulu has always been taught that money is the ticket to a good life. So, when Shanghai’s most eligible bachelor surprises her with a proposal, the only acceptable answer is yes, even if the voice inside her head is saying no. His family’s fortune would solve all her parents’ financial woes, but Lulu isn’t in love or ready for marriage.

The only people she can confide in are her two best friends: career-minded Rina, who is tired of being passed over for promotion while her male colleagues are rewarded; and Jane, a sharp-tongued, luxury-chasing housewife desperate to divorce her husband and trade up. Each of them desires something different: freedom, time, beauty. None of them can get it without money.

Lulu’s wedding is their golden opportunity. The social event of the season, it means more than enough cash gifts to transform the women’s lives. To steal the money on the big day, all they’ll need is a trustworthy crew and a brilliant plan. But as the plot grows increasingly complicated and relationships are caught in the cross fire, the women are forced to face that having it all might come at a steep price…

My Thoughts:

In Sophie Wan’s debut novel, “Women of Good Fortune,” readers are whisked into the extravagant world of high-society Shanghai, where a reluctant bride, Lulu, and her two best friends, Rina and Jane, concoct a daring plan to secure their financial futures by stealing all the gift money from Lulu’s lavish wedding.

Wan’s narrative paints a vivid picture of societal pressures and the pursuit of wealth, with each character grappling with their own desires and motivations. Lulu, torn between familial expectations and her own autonomy, serves as a poignant reflection of the complexities of modern womanhood. However, while Wan adeptly navigates themes of identity and societal norms, the execution falls short in some areas.

The prose, though occasionally entertaining, suffers from choppiness and moments of ambiguity, particularly with untranslated Chinese expressions, leaving readers feeling disconnected from the narrative. Additionally, the middle of the book drags, testing the reader’s patience and almost prompting abandonment.

Despite these flaws, Wan shines in her portrayal of Asian parental control and the treatment of women in Shanghai’s elite circles. Through sharp observations and poignant descriptions, she exposes the harsh realities faced by her characters, shedding light on the challenges of navigating tradition and modernity.

However, where the novel falters is in its characterization and portrayal of friendships. The bond between Lulu, Rina, and Jane feels contrived at times, lacking the depth and authenticity expected from lifelong friends. Their actions often come across as self-serving, undermining the novel’s exploration of female solidarity.

In conclusion, “Women of Good Fortune” offers glimpses into Shanghai’s opulent world and the struggles of its inhabitants, but falls short of its potential. While Wan’s debut shows promise, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive narrative and fully realized characters. Despite its shortcomings, the novel offers moments of enjoyment, particularly in its portrayal of romance and the intricacies of Shanghai’s social hierarchy.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley