Remembering Shanghai

An absolutely captivating book! Thanks netgalley for the ARC. A memoir which is also thoroughly researched about the historical aspects. A book that spans a tumultuous course in the history of China. Remembering Shanghai follows five generations of the Sun family, from the poverty stricken village life to vibrant, prosperous Shanghai as the family reaches height of prosperity during the 18th century. By turns harrowing and heartwarming, this vivid memoir explores identity, loss and the unpredictable nature of life against the epic backdrop of a nation and a people in turmoil. A very endearing read. Especially loved the tidbits on Chinese language.

I loved this family memoir of Old Shanghai. It’s exquisitely written and very charming. It includes beautiful photos of the author and her family. If you have a fascination with China, you must read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Girl Friday Books for the opportunity to read Remembering Shanghai so that I may provide an honest review.

Remembering Shanghai is a combination of poignant memoir, compelling family history and recollection of a volatile period of time in the history of China. I am so grateful that Isabel Sun Chao and Claire Chao performed the exhaustive research to record their family history and also to capture Isabel's memories. It was fascinating and transportive and the photos and sketches that were included were a particular treat. The ebook didn't include all of the photos so I am anxiously awaiting the publish date so I can buy a copy and see what I missed. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Remembering Shanghai is the story of the Sun family over five generations, in a rapidly changing China. This memoir highlights the transformation of Shanghai from the advent of Communist rule in China, the Cultural Revolution, all interspersed with crucial moments in the lives of a wealthy Chinese family. In a time when books like Crazy Rich Asians portray the extravagant and glamorous lives of the Asian elite, Remembering Shanghai depicts the turbulent experience of an illustrious family grappling with change and the means through which they get by. The book is definitely well-researched. But it is a memoir, hence the primary focus is not to provide insights into the history of Shanghai, but the glimpses of historical elements in the book are artfully woven in. We were a little skeptical in the beginning of this book, particularly because of its slow start but this memoir is a wonderful glimpse into life in China throughout times that we have only encountered in history. It is also interesting how there are instances where the reality of the characters' experience is so dramatic it could pass off as fiction- maybe the fact is stranger than fiction!

All in all, this memoir was a great read, and for those who are more inclined to nonfiction and memoirs, do check this out!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the family history of the Sun family. I especially appreciated all of the extra tidbits about Chinese culture. It was heartbreaking to read about how things changed when the Communist party came into power and how the young red army terrorized those who held on to old customs and history or who were landowners. Sad to read about how successful or intelligent people were villainized. The author is a prolific writer, and she should consider writing fiction. I would love to read more of Claire's writing. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC. 5 stars. Highly recommended

Remembering Shanghai is a part autobiography of Isabel Chao and her family, part cultural history of Shanghai and China at large. Taking place during some of the most tumultuous years in Chinese history, we see the rise of Isabel's family status and riches during the time of her great-grandfather's business acumen to the loss of everything in the hands of the communists. Many of Isabel's memories are put in the context of the larger Chinese history at the time (written by her daughter mostly in cursive), while every chapter finishes with a short introduction to an aspect of Chinese culture. Very well researched and written.