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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 lay at stake.
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 even more deadly 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.
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris is a compelling work of historical fiction that brings a painful chapter of history vividly to life. Set in July 1888, the story follows Celia Hart, a young woman trapped in a desperate and dangerous situation as she attempts to escape. From the very beginning, the tension is palpable, and describing her circumstances as difficult would be a major understatement.
Themes of capture, identity, resilience, racism, and survival make this an emotionally intense read. While most of the novel takes place in 1888, the story occasionally shifts back to 1885, gradually revealing the events that shaped Celia’s life and deepening the emotional impact of her journey.
Celia is an especially intriguing protagonist. As a woman who is half Chinese and able to pass as white, she lives in a world where anti-Chinese hatred and violence are rapidly escalating in America. The racism depicted throughout the novel is heartbreaking and, at times, deeply disturbing to read. As Celia’s kidnapping becomes central to the story, the novel takes on even greater emotional depth and urgency.
Historical fiction has always had a profound effect on me, and this novel was particularly eye-opening in its portrayal of the discrimination and brutality faced by Chinese communities in the late 1800s. Having more often encountered stories centered on racial injustice against Black Americans, it was both unsettling and important to read about the suffering endured by another marginalized group during this era. Sadly, history is filled with similar injustices experienced by many different communities.
Despite the darkness woven throughout the story, this was not a hopeless read. At its heart, the novel becomes a powerful story of resilience, courage, and hope, making it both moving and memorable.
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