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Brave the Shanghai tunnels. Fight for love and justice. 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.
She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story.
Oregon, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of Portland's 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 hangs in the balance.
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 could prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.
To what audience would you recommend The Girls of Good Fortune? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
My book club would really enjoy discussing this book. We like historical fiction that highlights an event in history that is not well-known. The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate comes to mind.
-Holly_K
Marie initially tells Celia she and Pearl will have to leave but then allows them to stay. What do you feel causes her change of heart? Did her decision surprise you?
I don't know if you read Briar Club by Kate Quinn, but it's another good example of women forming a "family" when they live together. They look out for each other.
-Holly_K
As a child Celia begged her father to teach her Chinese, but he refused. Why do you suppose this was? If your ancestors hale from a country where English isn't spoken, how did they feel about retaining their language and culture after immigrating?
I did not have this experience, but totally agree with your comment. Thanks for sharing that.
-Holly_K
By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
I think Celia, despite all that she had endured, realized her "good fortune" when she thought about the "strength she'd both gained and discovered within herself." (page 327) I think she will pass resilience on to Pearl.
-Holly_K
Had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
I was not familiar with the massacre or the underground tunnels in Portland. I grew up on the west coast, so you'd think these events might have been included in a history class lesson. Yes, I do believe that today, thankfully, these killers would be hunted down and prosecuted and sent to prison.
-Holly_K
Celia wonders if she could withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage if the girl’s features never betray her Chinese background. What do you think of this question? Should information like this ever be withheld, in your opinion? Why or why not?
I couldn't create a mental image of Celia. It would seem the Asian physical features of her father would be apparent, much so that she might not be able to pass as white, like her mother. A friend's grandkids have an Asian mom (Japanese) and Caucasian dad. I've only seen photos; however, neither ...
-NanK
Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
Owen was tormented and many times misguided, but he did join forces with Celia to escape perils.
-NanK
Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
I also had a hard time believing in her escape from SF to Portland. For me, it was a bit overdone!
-Carol_N
In the author’s note, she says she’d originally planned on Celia’s story to take place around 1910. How much of the story would have been different, do you think, if it hadn’t been set in the time period the author ultimately chose?
I agree as the moderation of travel came into being, the shanghaiing of the Owen and Celia would not have been believable. I believe also by placing the time period early, the story lent itself to more authenticity.
-Carol_N
Mrs. Downey thinks it would be best for Celia to give up her baby but Celia refuses. What did you think of this decision? What about her choice later, when she refuses the offer of financial support? What would you have done in these circumstances?
Celia's father had been killed, Stephen was not responding to her letters (directed to his university because she didn't even know how to contact him), and she lived in a brothel, albeit with some friendships developing there. Baby Pearl was Celia's lifeline, the most important - maybe the only -...
-Luisa_H
Celia has the opportunity to torpedo the mayor’s career but she chooses not to. Why do you suppose she refrained? What do you think the consequences might have been if she’d proceeded? What do you think you might have done in her place?
Celia was a very intelligent woman who understood the ramifications of such an undertaking. She was not willing to do anything that would harm her daughter's ability to make it in the world they lived in.
-Susan_P1
Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
Actually, it was 1943 but there was a quota that allowed only 150 Chinese immigrants to go through the citizenship process. It was until Large-scale Chinese immigration to the US didn't occur until the[Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which removed national origin quotas. I agree with the ...
-Susan_P1
In the prologue, the woman we learn is Celia’s granddaughter says that she’s been shaped by “not just those on the branches of my family tree but also by their stories.” How do you think our forebears’ stories shape us?
I think stories are easiest to remember and relate to–whenever I hear a story about a distant family member I feel close to them event if I never met them. Stories often include feelings in addition to events which makes them timeless.
-Aprile_G
Kristina McMorris books
The Girls of Good Fortune is a very good book. I strongly recommend that you read an earlier historical fiction from Kristina McMorris called Sold on a Monday. It is also terrific.
-Lloyd_R
During a run-in with Celia, Abigail claims she can relate to Celia’s romantic plight but she fails to expound. What do you imagine her experience might have been, and how does her sense of commonality with Celia ultimately affect their relationship?
I've been thinking about this one. The only romantic link I can think of for Abigail is maybe with the family's carriage driver, Timothy Vale. Abigail must know that this relationship would be totally unacceptable to her mother. Timothy decides to leave his employment with the Bettencourts and mo...
-Luisa_H
Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including “Fortune rests in misfortune” and “Knowledge changes destiny.” How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they also apply in real life? If so, how?
Luisa did a beautiful job demonstrating how each of these proverbs played into Celia's life. Proverbs are wise sayings and usually prove to be true in each of our lives. I am probably going to show my age but, when I was in grade school, each day we had a proverb written on the board to copy in o...
-Maureen_S
In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
-kim.kovacs
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen's struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
-kim.kovacs
Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
Celia's journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
-kim.kovacs
Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother’s behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions including love, joy, pride, self-doubt, shame, and guilt. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother's behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
-kim.kovacs
Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or “shanghaied”? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or "shanghaied"? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
-kim.kovacs
The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Please join BookBrowse in our book club discussion of The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? (5/1/2025)
I forgot to add THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris - I will be there for that discussion also. Thanks for the book, BookBrowse.
-Elizabeth
What are you reading this week? (04/10/2025)
I am reading Kristina McMorris' latest, The Girls of Good Fortune. It comes out on May 20, and it is very good!
-Lloyd_R
What are you reading this week? (4/3/2025)?
I am reading The Girls of Good Fortune, by Kristina McMorris. I am gearing up for the May 15 book club discussion of this book. Can't wait!
-Lloyd_R
"This poignant story of courage and defiance will please fans of Kristin Hannah and Lisa Wingate." —Library Journal
"The Girls of Good Fortune shines with a captivating blend of intrigue and heart, celebrating the resilience of a woman determined to reclaim her life. Set against the vibrant yet dangerous backdrop of 1880s Portland, Celia's journey is a powerful testament to hope. Richly layered, this novel reminds us that even in the darkest places, light and love find a way to endure." —Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and The Leftover Woman
"Kristina McMorris is a master in the art of storytelling, weaving a heart-pounding adventure of freedom and survival. With Chinese culture, the questions of fate, and a child's life at stake, the power of women helping each other and the bond of love come alive in this extraordinary novel. From hidden identities to the search for belonging, this fast-paced novel takes readers through the saloons, brothels, and Shanghai tunnels of Portland's forgotten past. With vivid characters and a history long buried now unearthed, The Girls of Good Fortune brings legend to life. A must read you don't want to miss." —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea
"In this page-turning, propulsive read, McMorris shines a light on a forgotten corner of America, where immigrants faced withering odds, as well as on one woman's fight to rise above the fray. A gripping tale of family, identity, and redemption that I simply couldn't put down. One of McMorris's best yet." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
"Novels like this are why I read historical fiction. The Girls of Good Fortune reveals a little-known corner of history through a thoughtfully crafted, intimate, and deeply felt tale. Laying bare the impact of an anti-Asian massacre on a young woman's life, Kristina McMorris once again kept me up all hours reading to learn how her heroine would find justice…and love." —Janie Chang, Globe & Mail bestselling author of The Phoenix Crown
This information about The Girls of Good Fortune was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kristina McMorris is a New York Times bestselling author of two novellas and six novels, including the runaway bestseller Sold on a Monday. Initially inspired by her grandparents' WWII courtship letters, her works of fiction have garnered more than twenty national literary awards. Prior to her writing career, she owned a wedding-and-event planning company until she had far surpassed her limit of YMCA and chicken dances. She also worked as a weekly TV-show host for Warner Bros. and an ABC affiliate, beginning at age nine with an Emmy Award-winning program. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she lives near Portland, Oregon, where (ironically) she's entirely deficient of a green thumb and doesn't own a single umbrella.
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