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Women of Good Fortune
Set against a high-society Shanghai wedding, a heartfelt, funny, dazzling novel about a reluctant bride and her two best friends, each with their own motives and fed up with the way society treats women, who forge a plan to steal all the gift money on the big day
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 as her biological clock ticks away; 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…
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 as her biological clock ticks away; 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…
364 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
480 people are currently reading
22183 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Wan
2 books173 followersSophie Wan graduated from UC Berkeley and spent too long writing emails before she picked up writing fiction.
As a Bay Area native, she has no choice but to enjoy outdoor activities, but prefers those where her feet remain firmly on the ground. She's currently shivering her way through grad school in Philadelphia.
As a Bay Area native, she has no choice but to enjoy outdoor activities, but prefers those where her feet remain firmly on the ground. She's currently shivering her way through grad school in Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,090 reviews
April 26, 2024
It makes me sad to say this, but Women of Good Fortune falls squarely into the camp of having a fascinating premise but a lackluster execution.
From the description, I was all aflutter. You need only to hint at things like a high-society Asian wedding and a brilliant heist masterminded by a group of smart and resourceful women, and I'm starting to dream of Ocean's Eleven meets Crazy Rich Asians. Add to that the setting of Shanghai, the city of my birth and early years, and how could I not love this?
And yet, I did not. Pretty much from the start, I felt a disconnect from the story that never really went away.
The heist itself is enjoyable enough in that frothy and hammed up sort of way, as long as you don't take it too seriously. Though it was a bit convoluted, I had fun following along as they tried to figure out how to steal all the red envelopes full of cash from right under the noses of the wedding guests.
But the problem here is the characters. The three main women are extremely unlikable, so much so that it hobbled the story for me. They constantly complain about not having enough money and how they hate the men in their lives, but I don't really understand their issues. They have enough money to live comfortably, and the men in their lives genuinely care about them and treat them with respect, and some are even billionaires. How terrible for them.
The women could just leave if they really can't stand it. Yet they stay and persist, in the way that is only explainable in Chinese—吃苦 (to eat bitterness), just so they can maximize their suffering, which in turn makes them feel entitled to the money they are stealing from the rich people. I tried, you guys, but it's really hard to relate to such self-inflicted suffering and entitlement.
And the side characters aren't any better, with most of the parents and in-laws portrayed as greedy and selfish. Other than the three male love interests, the rest of the cast is so awful, I cringed hard at their harsh portrayal.
I understand what this book is trying to do. We are meant to sympathize with the women because they come from difficult childhoods and circumstances. Could upbringing and poverty and parental abuse make you unable to stand up and advocate for yourself, make you seem cold and greedy in the eyes of someone who grew up with privilege, and cause you to bend the moral code to ensure your survival? Yes, absolutely. But the problem is that this book doesn't show that subtlety. And without it, we're just following a bunch of greedy and shallow people.
Clearly, this story is meant to be a light satire that both entertains and gently pokes fun at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. But in order for satire to work, there needs to be something in the characters you can relate to. This satire strips away all the humanity until there is nothing left but the caricatures. And I just couldn't relate to that at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
From the description, I was all aflutter. You need only to hint at things like a high-society Asian wedding and a brilliant heist masterminded by a group of smart and resourceful women, and I'm starting to dream of Ocean's Eleven meets Crazy Rich Asians. Add to that the setting of Shanghai, the city of my birth and early years, and how could I not love this?
And yet, I did not. Pretty much from the start, I felt a disconnect from the story that never really went away.
The heist itself is enjoyable enough in that frothy and hammed up sort of way, as long as you don't take it too seriously. Though it was a bit convoluted, I had fun following along as they tried to figure out how to steal all the red envelopes full of cash from right under the noses of the wedding guests.
But the problem here is the characters. The three main women are extremely unlikable, so much so that it hobbled the story for me. They constantly complain about not having enough money and how they hate the men in their lives, but I don't really understand their issues. They have enough money to live comfortably, and the men in their lives genuinely care about them and treat them with respect, and some are even billionaires. How terrible for them.
The women could just leave if they really can't stand it. Yet they stay and persist, in the way that is only explainable in Chinese—吃苦 (to eat bitterness), just so they can maximize their suffering, which in turn makes them feel entitled to the money they are stealing from the rich people. I tried, you guys, but it's really hard to relate to such self-inflicted suffering and entitlement.
And the side characters aren't any better, with most of the parents and in-laws portrayed as greedy and selfish. Other than the three male love interests, the rest of the cast is so awful, I cringed hard at their harsh portrayal.
I understand what this book is trying to do. We are meant to sympathize with the women because they come from difficult childhoods and circumstances. Could upbringing and poverty and parental abuse make you unable to stand up and advocate for yourself, make you seem cold and greedy in the eyes of someone who grew up with privilege, and cause you to bend the moral code to ensure your survival? Yes, absolutely. But the problem is that this book doesn't show that subtlety. And without it, we're just following a bunch of greedy and shallow people.
Clearly, this story is meant to be a light satire that both entertains and gently pokes fun at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. But in order for satire to work, there needs to be something in the characters you can relate to. This satire strips away all the humanity until there is nothing left but the caricatures. And I just couldn't relate to that at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
May 16, 2024
This is the story of three close friends, their difficulties trying to live their lives according to their aspirations and against society's standards for women, and the heist they plan as a result.
The three main characters are not overly complex but well developed with each a unique voice and very different personalities and aspirations.
It's full of action, and the heist is very fun and satisfying but it's the human relationships that are at the heart of this book.
The pacing is excellent, and not a line or subplot felt wasted. The narrator dies a fantastic job at bringing all characters to life and giving rhythm to the story.
I had a really great time with this book!
The three main characters are not overly complex but well developed with each a unique voice and very different personalities and aspirations.
It's full of action, and the heist is very fun and satisfying but it's the human relationships that are at the heart of this book.
The pacing is excellent, and not a line or subplot felt wasted. The narrator dies a fantastic job at bringing all characters to life and giving rhythm to the story.
I had a really great time with this book!
February 20, 2024
⊹ 🏮 𓏲࣪ 3 stars ★ 𓄹 ࣪ .
⤿ no spoilers
this was so fun what the heck omg. vengeful women planning a heist and asian girls supporting girls <3
(rina was my favourite character, yes i'm biased)
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ pre-read ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱
⤹ another arc 😭 i swear, publishers just collectively chose today to approve arcs ?? anyways this book brings me so much nostalgia from crazy rich asians, so excited to see how this goes. i feel i should mention, one of the main character's has the same name as me 😭 scared to see what the rina in this book is like.
am i starting 3 new books + previously reading another one. maybe........... school has been making me feel reading deprived, so this is me going on a reading spree
⤿ no spoilers
this was so fun what the heck omg. vengeful women planning a heist and asian girls supporting girls <3
(rina was my favourite character, yes i'm biased)
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ pre-read ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱
⤹ another arc 😭 i swear, publishers just collectively chose today to approve arcs ?? anyways this book brings me so much nostalgia from crazy rich asians, so excited to see how this goes. i feel i should mention, one of the main character's has the same name as me 😭 scared to see what the rina in this book is like.
am i starting 3 new books + previously reading another one. maybe........... school has been making me feel reading deprived, so this is me going on a reading spree
February 21, 2024
3.25-3.5 Stars
Lulu and her two dearest friends are utterly exasperated with the way women are perceived and treated by society and their own families. They believe that women are not given the respect and recognition they deserve and are tired of being pushed around. As a result, they hatch a daring plan to steal all the cash gifts at Lulu's upcoming wedding. With the money, they each can take control of their lives and enjoy the financial independence they had been seeking. The trio has been meticulously planning their heist for weeks. The question now is, will their preparations pay off? Will they be able to execute the heist with precision and get away with the stolen money?
This was a fun and entertaining story that also highlighted how women are treated and the involvement of Asian parents in their children's lives. The story also showed how this involvement can sometimes become overwhelming. However, I felt that the story lacked a bit of oomph. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Wan, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House for graciously sending me the ebook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Lulu and her two dearest friends are utterly exasperated with the way women are perceived and treated by society and their own families. They believe that women are not given the respect and recognition they deserve and are tired of being pushed around. As a result, they hatch a daring plan to steal all the cash gifts at Lulu's upcoming wedding. With the money, they each can take control of their lives and enjoy the financial independence they had been seeking. The trio has been meticulously planning their heist for weeks. The question now is, will their preparations pay off? Will they be able to execute the heist with precision and get away with the stolen money?
This was a fun and entertaining story that also highlighted how women are treated and the involvement of Asian parents in their children's lives. The story also showed how this involvement can sometimes become overwhelming. However, I felt that the story lacked a bit of oomph. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Wan, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House for graciously sending me the ebook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
March 29, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
Description: Set against a high-society Shanghai wedding, a heartfelt, funny, dazzling novel about a reluctant bride and her two best friends, each with their own motives and fed up with the way society treats women, who forge a plan to steal all the gift money on the big day.
Although I have watched quite a few heist movies and television shows, this novel marks only the second time I have read a heist-centric novel. I liked the premise. I didn't like the characters. I couldn't understand what each of them thought was so miserable about their lives and the men they were with. Not enough payoff for me, I guess.
Publication Date 05/03/24
Goodreads Review 27/03/24
#WomenofGoodFortune #NetGalley
Description: Set against a high-society Shanghai wedding, a heartfelt, funny, dazzling novel about a reluctant bride and her two best friends, each with their own motives and fed up with the way society treats women, who forge a plan to steal all the gift money on the big day.
Although I have watched quite a few heist movies and television shows, this novel marks only the second time I have read a heist-centric novel. I liked the premise. I didn't like the characters. I couldn't understand what each of them thought was so miserable about their lives and the men they were with. Not enough payoff for me, I guess.
Publication Date 05/03/24
Goodreads Review 27/03/24
#WomenofGoodFortune #NetGalley
April 7, 2024
women truly contain multitudes it’s so beautiful i love when we just absolutely go unhinged for good reasons
February 26, 2024
✨ "For all your emphasis on being rational, you may be the biggest dreamer of all of us."
4.5⭐
This book has my heart!!! ❤️
It just feels so genuine, so authentic, like a true #ownvoices novel written for itself. Not to hit a diversity quota, not to cater to an international audience, not to make it more sellable to the mass market like so many others.
I had so much fun reading this and cackled at so many scenes. Some of the dialogue is comedy gold and there's even Chinese swearing 😂. Not to mention the references to inherently Chinese things such as WeChat, Meitu, the booming counterfeit industry, extravagance, marriage, hierarchy, everything! The accuracy of it all! I'm Singaporean Chinese and even though the book is set in China, I felt truly represented.
The heist itself felt a little confusing, messy and draggy to me but the characters really shine. I love all 3 women but Jane is my absolute favourite and I rooted so hard for her. Vic sounds super dreamy and I was extremely invested in his romantic entanglement with Rina. Everyone had such satisfying arcs and I really enjoyed their journeys of self-love, growth and discovery.
Women of Good Fortune is a gem that's just so unapologetically itself. I had a blast with it and can't wait to read more from the author!
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Netgalley ARC.
4.5⭐
This book has my heart!!! ❤️
It just feels so genuine, so authentic, like a true #ownvoices novel written for itself. Not to hit a diversity quota, not to cater to an international audience, not to make it more sellable to the mass market like so many others.
I had so much fun reading this and cackled at so many scenes. Some of the dialogue is comedy gold and there's even Chinese swearing 😂. Not to mention the references to inherently Chinese things such as WeChat, Meitu, the booming counterfeit industry, extravagance, marriage, hierarchy, everything! The accuracy of it all! I'm Singaporean Chinese and even though the book is set in China, I felt truly represented.
The heist itself felt a little confusing, messy and draggy to me but the characters really shine. I love all 3 women but Jane is my absolute favourite and I rooted so hard for her. Vic sounds super dreamy and I was extremely invested in his romantic entanglement with Rina. Everyone had such satisfying arcs and I really enjoyed their journeys of self-love, growth and discovery.
Women of Good Fortune is a gem that's just so unapologetically itself. I had a blast with it and can't wait to read more from the author!
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Netgalley ARC.
February 20, 2024
4.5⭐️A wonderful debut that can best be described as Crazy Rich Asians meets Oceans Eleven.
Short synopsis: Three best friends plan an elaborate wedding heist in hopes that it’ll bring them happiness.
Thoughts: The short chapters, engaging plot, descriptive setting and lighthearted feel made this book a win for me. Sophie Wan did a great job giving readers a glimpse of the extravagant life of Shanghai’s elite all while exploring societal norms and gender expectations. Heist plots can be a hit or miss for me, especially if the book gives off too much of a “cozy” vibe. And while this had that same comedic feel, I loved how it really centered in on the friendship between the three woman and the decisions they made for themselves. Plus, there were some amazing romance side plots that had me swooning (always a win).
Read if you like:
-Shanghai setting
-Three POVs
-Rich people behaving badly
-Stories about female friendships
-Heist plots
Thank you HTP for the ARC! Pub 3/5
Short synopsis: Three best friends plan an elaborate wedding heist in hopes that it’ll bring them happiness.
Thoughts: The short chapters, engaging plot, descriptive setting and lighthearted feel made this book a win for me. Sophie Wan did a great job giving readers a glimpse of the extravagant life of Shanghai’s elite all while exploring societal norms and gender expectations. Heist plots can be a hit or miss for me, especially if the book gives off too much of a “cozy” vibe. And while this had that same comedic feel, I loved how it really centered in on the friendship between the three woman and the decisions they made for themselves. Plus, there were some amazing romance side plots that had me swooning (always a win).
Read if you like:
-Shanghai setting
-Three POVs
-Rich people behaving badly
-Stories about female friendships
-Heist plots
Thank you HTP for the ARC! Pub 3/5
October 18, 2023
3/5 I'm not sure what to make of this book. It was slow and also fast. Romance but also heist? I enjoyed it but also it lacked something which unhelpfully I cannot put my finger on. Really interesting topics and plot and idea. But the execution might miss a bit for me.
April 23, 2024
A great debut for Sophie Wan.
This was a fun heist read where a group of women come together to try to improve their lives the only way they know how––making some fast cash. What occurs isn't how they expected it; however, it seems to turn out for the best. It was fun watching each characters' growth throughout the novel ,and the ways their relationships with each other, significant others, and themselves developed over time. The ending was a fun twist I wasn't expecting.
Rating 3.5
This was a fun heist read where a group of women come together to try to improve their lives the only way they know how––making some fast cash. What occurs isn't how they expected it; however, it seems to turn out for the best. It was fun watching each characters' growth throughout the novel ,and the ways their relationships with each other, significant others, and themselves developed over time. The ending was a fun twist I wasn't expecting.
Rating 3.5
March 21, 2025
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
This was a fun heist story!
The premise is basically Crazy Rich Asians meets Ocean’s Eight, which I loved. The plot is essentially a mashup of the two. I thought the story was super entertaining and amusing. I wasn’t shocked at any of the twists and turns at the end because it was slightly reminiscent of Ocean’s Eight’s heist. That being said, it was still cool to see how the heist was being pulled off.
I appreciated the short chapters which made the story move at fast pace. I also liked that the chapters have labels on what point of time it was (i.e. 3 months to the wedding) and which of the characters the chapter was focused on (either Lulu, Jane, or Rina). This made the story so easy to follow.
As for the characters, all three of the main characters had good character development. They all start off unlikable (especially Jane), but throughout the course of the story they grow and change for the better.
When it came to the supporting characters, I loved Mei and Michelangelo. They were both fun characters. I liked how Mei was like a little sister to them and how Michelangelo was like a mother to them.
Overall, this was an exciting read! If you’re looking for something light, quick, and fun, consider reading this one.
This was a fun heist story!
The premise is basically Crazy Rich Asians meets Ocean’s Eight, which I loved. The plot is essentially a mashup of the two. I thought the story was super entertaining and amusing. I wasn’t shocked at any of the twists and turns at the end because it was slightly reminiscent of Ocean’s Eight’s heist. That being said, it was still cool to see how the heist was being pulled off.
I appreciated the short chapters which made the story move at fast pace. I also liked that the chapters have labels on what point of time it was (i.e. 3 months to the wedding) and which of the characters the chapter was focused on (either Lulu, Jane, or Rina). This made the story so easy to follow.
As for the characters, all three of the main characters had good character development. They all start off unlikable (especially Jane), but throughout the course of the story they grow and change for the better.
When it came to the supporting characters, I loved Mei and Michelangelo. They were both fun characters. I liked how Mei was like a little sister to them and how Michelangelo was like a mother to them.
Overall, this was an exciting read! If you’re looking for something light, quick, and fun, consider reading this one.
June 3, 2024
3.5/5
okayyyy not bad!! def not the most memorable read, but overall a heartwarming story that puts friendship in the spotlight and i enjoyed seeing this group of girls do their hot mess ass heist. kinda jealous my culture doesn’t do all the extravagant wedding stuff that chinese culture does but i love reading about it for sure lol
okayyyy not bad!! def not the most memorable read, but overall a heartwarming story that puts friendship in the spotlight and i enjoyed seeing this group of girls do their hot mess ass heist. kinda jealous my culture doesn’t do all the extravagant wedding stuff that chinese culture does but i love reading about it for sure lol
March 12, 2024
Alright, so...
I started to enjoy this a little bit more the longer it went on, but largely I wasn't a fan. Maybe it's because I could not relate to these characters at all, but I think it had more to do with the story itself.
This is the story of three friends: Lulu, Rina, and Jane. They are all female Asians that came from lesser means in China during the time of the one-child policy. Jane is married to a man she does not love, Rina has sworn herself to singleness until she can get further in her career, and Lulu is preparing to marry the wealthiest eligible bachelor in Shanghai. Each of these friends has a character that made them, more or less, completely insufferable lol.
Jane can't seem to go more than 5mins without making some kind of negative comment about her face. She hates her appearance and the only solution she has is to get plastic surgery to completely change it, just as her mother did. She is constantly seeking approval from everyone else about how she looks; even when her husband tells her that he doesn't want her to change the way she looks, she basically says that that's not enough and she needs everyone to love her face. Really hated that bit. Rina is climbing the corporate ladder and aspires to be top-dog at the firm she works for. She kinda hates Shanghai, but she stays to try to keep control over not just her life, but her parent's, as well. Lulu has no backbone and will not stand up for herself ever and it was driving me absolutely bonkers the entire time. I just wanted to shake her and scream "LULU PLEASE JUST SAY 'NO'!!" But alas, I don't think she would have heard me. Maybe the problem is that this is simply the way things are within the Chinese culture and I just don't understand it? If so, please extend me some grace there. I'm not sure that's the case, though.
I did enjoy getting a better understanding of an aspect of the Chinese culture through this novel, but I don't know that I think it was worth the cost. There were parts of this story that moved REALLY fast (most pointedly the ending/Part 3) and other parts that felt like they were going to drag on forever... very inconsistent pacing. Nothing in this felt realistic and maybe that was the point, idk. I just know this was not my cup of tea.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC copy of this book!
I started to enjoy this a little bit more the longer it went on, but largely I wasn't a fan. Maybe it's because I could not relate to these characters at all, but I think it had more to do with the story itself.
This is the story of three friends: Lulu, Rina, and Jane. They are all female Asians that came from lesser means in China during the time of the one-child policy. Jane is married to a man she does not love, Rina has sworn herself to singleness until she can get further in her career, and Lulu is preparing to marry the wealthiest eligible bachelor in Shanghai. Each of these friends has a character that made them, more or less, completely insufferable lol.
Jane can't seem to go more than 5mins without making some kind of negative comment about her face. She hates her appearance and the only solution she has is to get plastic surgery to completely change it, just as her mother did. She is constantly seeking approval from everyone else about how she looks; even when her husband tells her that he doesn't want her to change the way she looks, she basically says that that's not enough and she needs everyone to love her face. Really hated that bit. Rina is climbing the corporate ladder and aspires to be top-dog at the firm she works for. She kinda hates Shanghai, but she stays to try to keep control over not just her life, but her parent's, as well. Lulu has no backbone and will not stand up for herself ever and it was driving me absolutely bonkers the entire time. I just wanted to shake her and scream "LULU PLEASE JUST SAY 'NO'!!" But alas, I don't think she would have heard me. Maybe the problem is that this is simply the way things are within the Chinese culture and I just don't understand it? If so, please extend me some grace there. I'm not sure that's the case, though.
I did enjoy getting a better understanding of an aspect of the Chinese culture through this novel, but I don't know that I think it was worth the cost. There were parts of this story that moved REALLY fast (most pointedly the ending/Part 3) and other parts that felt like they were going to drag on forever... very inconsistent pacing. Nothing in this felt realistic and maybe that was the point, idk. I just know this was not my cup of tea.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC copy of this book!
November 5, 2025
the louvre heist inspired me to find a heist book..
this story follows three women and why each of them would like to steal the money from one of their weddings. i love stories that follow multiple characters, they explain the human experience and we get to see why people do what they do. plus each of these women had their own little romances going on which was fun.
lulu is getting married to the most eligible bachelor in shanghai and she wants out, she wants freedom from the expectations placed on her. jane is a married women who struggle with her self confidence and the way people view her. finally, rina is a workaholic who dreams of starting her own family, on her own terms. so they each have their own reasons for going through with the heist which i enjoyed learning. the issues however, jane’s annoying, lulu is apparently an evil mastermind, and rina is kinda manipulative.
i really did not like jane’s character at all. i get why she struggled with self image but that doesn’t matter when she treats everyone like ass. she just wants very monetary things and its hard to root for her. lulu is the only reason the heist succeeds and i don’t fully know why. the chapter that explained that was a lot. rina was by far my favorite and that had to do with vic. her romance with him was so sweet and i wanted so much more from that pay off. i hate when books make me feel bad for multiple men so ending this feeling sad for three guys is odd.
this story follows three women and why each of them would like to steal the money from one of their weddings. i love stories that follow multiple characters, they explain the human experience and we get to see why people do what they do. plus each of these women had their own little romances going on which was fun.
lulu is getting married to the most eligible bachelor in shanghai and she wants out, she wants freedom from the expectations placed on her. jane is a married women who struggle with her self confidence and the way people view her. finally, rina is a workaholic who dreams of starting her own family, on her own terms. so they each have their own reasons for going through with the heist which i enjoyed learning. the issues however, jane’s annoying, lulu is apparently an evil mastermind, and rina is kinda manipulative.
i really did not like jane’s character at all. i get why she struggled with self image but that doesn’t matter when she treats everyone like ass. she just wants very monetary things and its hard to root for her. lulu is the only reason the heist succeeds and i don’t fully know why. the chapter that explained that was a lot. rina was by far my favorite and that had to do with vic. her romance with him was so sweet and i wanted so much more from that pay off. i hate when books make me feel bad for multiple men so ending this feeling sad for three guys is odd.
February 27, 2024
This book was a delight to read. Set in current-day Shanghai, the various perspectives, and the societal standards placed on women in China from all aspects of life, made for a unique story. The heist's
plot was fun, and it was a unique way to explore the potential negatives of wedding culture in China. What kept this story from being 5 stars was how the events post-wedding felt rushed. I would have liked to see more growth and coming together versus a quick two chapters. I also strongly disagreed with how Lulu didn't take responsibility for how her actions affected Harv and the actions he had to take because of Lulu and her friends. Overall a super fun read for any AAPI Readathon or summer vacation!
**** Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.****
plot was fun, and it was a unique way to explore the potential negatives of wedding culture in China. What kept this story from being 5 stars was how the events post-wedding felt rushed. I would have liked to see more growth and coming together versus a quick two chapters. I also strongly disagreed with how Lulu didn't take responsibility for how her actions affected Harv and the actions he had to take because of Lulu and her friends. Overall a super fun read for any AAPI Readathon or summer vacation!
**** Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.****
March 2, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes; opinions expressed are honest and mine alone.
WOMEN OF GOOD FORTUNE is Sophie Wan’s debut novel and it’s a good addition to book club fiction. Amazon/GR doesn’t include that genre for this book but I see it as a no brainer. Sure, it’s Friendship and Women’s Fiction as well but there’s gonna be lots of chatter about the antics of these three friends. I can see Shonda optioning this book for lots of fun episodes…
As an American reader, I enjoyed the visit to contemporary, Chinese family life. The three friends cover the entire spectrum of society from very blue collar to uber wealthy. Sophie Wan delivers Chinese traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years along with: up to the minute fashion, makeup, accessories, cars and more. These, along with the roles of women, (in family, society and work), are portrayed thru the three best friends. Two of these friends are considered “leftovers” by Chinese standards - women over 27 who are yet to be married. Not so long ago, it was all of them and this idea haunts them.
Characters are Wan’s strongest element, closely followed by dialogue. Every cast member has an unique issue and most experience growth over the course of the story. Relationships cross over but aren’t so complicated you’re going to need a score card. I am particularly fond of good people being bad and vice versa. There’s only one character that’s mostly reprehensible but, well, every good story needs a monster! Wan’s characters each have a voice that’s clearly expressed via snappy dialogue that drives this story at a comfortable pace.
Each chapter has a time noted, such as: 10 months to the wedding, 5 months…3 days. They also are set up to be voiced by a particular character and their name appears as well. It’s a simple format and works in a storyline such as this one. It’s well organized and keeps the cast of characters from becoming confusing.
Language and sexual content are both mild making this a safe choice for 16+, if they would be interested in the storyline. As I mentioned early on, a good choice for book clubs with opportunities to discuss family relationships, expectations, societal inequalities, friendships, marriage traditions, following your dreams and can you be leftover and WOMEN OF GOOD FORTUNE📚
Read & Reviewed from PW Grab a Galley Giveaway via a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
WOMEN OF GOOD FORTUNE is Sophie Wan’s debut novel and it’s a good addition to book club fiction. Amazon/GR doesn’t include that genre for this book but I see it as a no brainer. Sure, it’s Friendship and Women’s Fiction as well but there’s gonna be lots of chatter about the antics of these three friends. I can see Shonda optioning this book for lots of fun episodes…
As an American reader, I enjoyed the visit to contemporary, Chinese family life. The three friends cover the entire spectrum of society from very blue collar to uber wealthy. Sophie Wan delivers Chinese traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years along with: up to the minute fashion, makeup, accessories, cars and more. These, along with the roles of women, (in family, society and work), are portrayed thru the three best friends. Two of these friends are considered “leftovers” by Chinese standards - women over 27 who are yet to be married. Not so long ago, it was all of them and this idea haunts them.
Characters are Wan’s strongest element, closely followed by dialogue. Every cast member has an unique issue and most experience growth over the course of the story. Relationships cross over but aren’t so complicated you’re going to need a score card. I am particularly fond of good people being bad and vice versa. There’s only one character that’s mostly reprehensible but, well, every good story needs a monster! Wan’s characters each have a voice that’s clearly expressed via snappy dialogue that drives this story at a comfortable pace.
Each chapter has a time noted, such as: 10 months to the wedding, 5 months…3 days. They also are set up to be voiced by a particular character and their name appears as well. It’s a simple format and works in a storyline such as this one. It’s well organized and keeps the cast of characters from becoming confusing.
Language and sexual content are both mild making this a safe choice for 16+, if they would be interested in the storyline. As I mentioned early on, a good choice for book clubs with opportunities to discuss family relationships, expectations, societal inequalities, friendships, marriage traditions, following your dreams and can you be leftover and WOMEN OF GOOD FORTUNE📚
Read & Reviewed from PW Grab a Galley Giveaway via a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
May 15, 2025
★★★½ | A sharp, entertaining take on friendship, societal expectations, and the lengths women go to reclaim their agency. Set against the backdrop of a high-society Shanghai wedding, the novel follows Lulu and her two best friends as they concoct a daring plan to steal the wedding gift money—because, honestly, what’s a little heist between friends when the stakes are this high?
Wan’s writing is engaging, blending humor with biting social commentary. The friendships feel authentic, and the characters’ struggles—whether it’s marriage, career ambitions, or beauty standards—are deeply relatable. The pacing keeps things moving, and the premise itself is delightfully chaotic.
That said, the execution doesn’t always match the brilliance of the concept. Some plot points feel rushed, and certain character arcs could have been explored with more depth. While the novel delivers plenty of fun and drama, it occasionally leans too heavily on familiar tropes without fully subverting them.
Overall, *Women of Good Fortune* is an enjoyable read with a fresh perspective, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. If you love stories about complex female friendships, societal rebellion, and a touch of mischief, this one is worth picking up.
Wan’s writing is engaging, blending humor with biting social commentary. The friendships feel authentic, and the characters’ struggles—whether it’s marriage, career ambitions, or beauty standards—are deeply relatable. The pacing keeps things moving, and the premise itself is delightfully chaotic.
That said, the execution doesn’t always match the brilliance of the concept. Some plot points feel rushed, and certain character arcs could have been explored with more depth. While the novel delivers plenty of fun and drama, it occasionally leans too heavily on familiar tropes without fully subverting them.
Overall, *Women of Good Fortune* is an enjoyable read with a fresh perspective, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. If you love stories about complex female friendships, societal rebellion, and a touch of mischief, this one is worth picking up.
April 20, 2024
A fun female led heist novel that takes place in Shanghai. If you enjoyed any of the Crazy Rich Asians books or Famous Adopted People, then you will likely like this one too.
May 13, 2024
Oh my god, I absolutely devoured this book! Ever since I came across it on NetGalley for request and was intrigued by it right away, I couldn’t wait to read this. It did not disappoint!!
This was so reminiscent of Crazy Rich Asians in the setup of all the characters and their families and the craziness of a wedding, but was 100% female-centric and involved a heist (IKR!). I have to admit it took me at least a week to actually get attached to this enough to go past the first five chapters. However, once I was able to sit with the book, I was through the whole thing in less than two hours. No, seriously.
I just loved the concept of this story, most importantly. Three friends, unhappy with their lives and full of this feeling of being trapped, plan a heist with the backdrop of one of their weddings, while also navigating the changes and realizations in their lives. The execution was just so good here, and I found myself attached to all three of the protagonists, similarly enthralled in all of their POVs. Of course, I did have a favorite (Rina, my girl), but I was invested in their journeys individually and together.
Although Rina was my favorite girl and I adored Vic, I had a soft spot for Jane and Zihao just a little bit more. There was so much to unpack there with their marriage and dynamic, but it was so realistic and the conflict was so heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I wanted to shake both of them to wake up and not be stupid, but their growth was so gentle and full of yearning — just the type I’m a sucker for.
Of course, Vic though — he was just a dream. I liked the lightheartedness of him and Rina, and the reprieve it gave from the intensity of the other relationship dynamics. That wasn’t without its flaws and angst either, obviously, but just so easy flowing to read.
I also have to mention Harv and Lulu because that was honestly such an ambiguous situation the whole way through. I genuinely couldn’t predict what was it would go, but I was satisfied with what it eventually turned out to be. I think that was the best way to handle their circumstances and give Lulu the “freedom” she had been looking for the whole time.
Basically, all the loose ends in Women of Good Fortune were tied up very well, and I loved all of the endings in this so much. The girls’ individual ones, as well as the ending (new beginning?) they found with each other. Ugh, it was just so so cute. I honestly don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it has to be one of my favorite reads of the year so far, because even though I couldn’t get into it as quick as I had anticipated, it delivered everything! A definite, definite recommend.
pre-read/review
NO WAYYY I GOT APPROVED FOR AN ARC OHMYGOSH SCREAMING
This was so reminiscent of Crazy Rich Asians in the setup of all the characters and their families and the craziness of a wedding, but was 100% female-centric and involved a heist (IKR!). I have to admit it took me at least a week to actually get attached to this enough to go past the first five chapters. However, once I was able to sit with the book, I was through the whole thing in less than two hours. No, seriously.
I just loved the concept of this story, most importantly. Three friends, unhappy with their lives and full of this feeling of being trapped, plan a heist with the backdrop of one of their weddings, while also navigating the changes and realizations in their lives. The execution was just so good here, and I found myself attached to all three of the protagonists, similarly enthralled in all of their POVs. Of course, I did have a favorite (Rina, my girl), but I was invested in their journeys individually and together.
Although Rina was my favorite girl and I adored Vic, I had a soft spot for Jane and Zihao just a little bit more. There was so much to unpack there with their marriage and dynamic, but it was so realistic and the conflict was so heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. I wanted to shake both of them to wake up and not be stupid, but their growth was so gentle and full of yearning — just the type I’m a sucker for.
Of course, Vic though — he was just a dream. I liked the lightheartedness of him and Rina, and the reprieve it gave from the intensity of the other relationship dynamics. That wasn’t without its flaws and angst either, obviously, but just so easy flowing to read.
I also have to mention Harv and Lulu because that was honestly such an ambiguous situation the whole way through. I genuinely couldn’t predict what was it would go, but I was satisfied with what it eventually turned out to be. I think that was the best way to handle their circumstances and give Lulu the “freedom” she had been looking for the whole time.
Basically, all the loose ends in Women of Good Fortune were tied up very well, and I loved all of the endings in this so much. The girls’ individual ones, as well as the ending (new beginning?) they found with each other. Ugh, it was just so so cute. I honestly don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it has to be one of my favorite reads of the year so far, because even though I couldn’t get into it as quick as I had anticipated, it delivered everything! A definite, definite recommend.
pre-read/review
NO WAYYY I GOT APPROVED FOR AN ARC OHMYGOSH SCREAMING
January 1, 2024
Gifted eARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley.
I honestly don’t know what to make of this book. I liked it, but there were some parts of it that I didn’t.
Let me start off by saying I am not Chinese, but this book (from my perspective) gives a very in-depth look at women and men in the culture and how traditions and views impact everything from work to love. I liked the cultural aspects of this and being able to see these problems and situations from Lulu, Jane’s, and Rinas eyes.
This book is one part love story, one part heist, a a story of friendship. It’s a mismatch of things but it works. I like that the three women we follow are different and have different views and goals it helps to really get a rounded look at what it is like to be a woman within the Chinese culture.
The writing in this book was a little choppy, the pacing was too fast at times and then dragged in others. I was most invested in Vic and Rina.
The whole premise of this book is three best friends stealing the wedding gift money from Lulu’s wedding and the months leading up to it. But I don’t know if I can get behind them stealing the money? The reasons didn’t feel justifiable to me? I honestly don’t think they deserved their happily ever afters… it just seemed a little much.
Overall I think it was a fun read, and I loved the look into Chinese culture.
I honestly don’t know what to make of this book. I liked it, but there were some parts of it that I didn’t.
Let me start off by saying I am not Chinese, but this book (from my perspective) gives a very in-depth look at women and men in the culture and how traditions and views impact everything from work to love. I liked the cultural aspects of this and being able to see these problems and situations from Lulu, Jane’s, and Rinas eyes.
This book is one part love story, one part heist, a a story of friendship. It’s a mismatch of things but it works. I like that the three women we follow are different and have different views and goals it helps to really get a rounded look at what it is like to be a woman within the Chinese culture.
The writing in this book was a little choppy, the pacing was too fast at times and then dragged in others. I was most invested in Vic and Rina.
The whole premise of this book is three best friends stealing the wedding gift money from Lulu’s wedding and the months leading up to it. But I don’t know if I can get behind them stealing the money? The reasons didn’t feel justifiable to me? I honestly don’t think they deserved their happily ever afters… it just seemed a little much.
Overall I think it was a fun read, and I loved the look into Chinese culture.
April 21, 2024
Women Of Good Fortune reads a bit like a tourism ad for Shangai at times (“at one of Shanghai’s many green spaces” was the most egregious phrase), but Wan mostly overcomes that by the third act. For me, the side characters (Vic, and Mei, and Michaelangelo) were the best part. Wan definitely shows promise as a novelist in the way she can write quirk and witty repartee.
My full review of Women Of Good Fortune is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Women Of Good Fortune is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
January 14, 2024
A delightful, high stakes heist slash women's fiction debut that sees three unhappy Shanghai friends scheming to steal the wedding money at one of their upcoming high society ceremonies. Perfect for fans of books about strong, clever women who work hard to make their own happiness no matter the cost. This was a fun blend of Ocean's Eleven and Counterfeit perfect for fans of Jesse Q. Sutanto and great on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 6, 2024
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing and Graydon House.
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 is not 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 as her biological clock ticks away; 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.
This book was so fun. It gave me all the Ocean 8's meet Crazy Rich Asian vibes. I just love that women are planning a heist and Asian girls supporting girls. I loved the idea of an all female heist crew pulling one over on the man in a desperate bid to support one another and how we get to follow Lulu, Jane, and Rina and their different views which impact them from work to love. Their growth throughout the story was so sweet and unbelievable. I also really liked how Wan explores each of the women’s own dilemmas, including their relationship with the people they care about, as well as how their friendship is may be affected and not everything is simple as planned and we see what is at risk for all of them. I would definitely recommend checking this one out if you liked Ocean 8's and Crazy Rich Asians. All in all, definitely a strong read and a solid debut.
Rating: 3.5/5
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 is not 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 as her biological clock ticks away; 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.
This book was so fun. It gave me all the Ocean 8's meet Crazy Rich Asian vibes. I just love that women are planning a heist and Asian girls supporting girls. I loved the idea of an all female heist crew pulling one over on the man in a desperate bid to support one another and how we get to follow Lulu, Jane, and Rina and their different views which impact them from work to love. Their growth throughout the story was so sweet and unbelievable. I also really liked how Wan explores each of the women’s own dilemmas, including their relationship with the people they care about, as well as how their friendship is may be affected and not everything is simple as planned and we see what is at risk for all of them. I would definitely recommend checking this one out if you liked Ocean 8's and Crazy Rich Asians. All in all, definitely a strong read and a solid debut.
Rating: 3.5/5
March 27, 2024
Women of Good Fortune is a fun and engaging debut from Sophie Wan.
In ten months former restaurant hostess Lulu is to marry one of Shanghai’s most eligible bachelor’s, it will be the event of the season, attended by everyone who is anyone. Lulu should be deliriously happy, or so her mother insists, but instead she is miserable and longs to escape. Her best friends are similarly unhappy with their lives, Rina is continually overlooked for promotion at work, and as such the pay rise she needs to in order to preserve her fertility, while Jane, convinced her appearance has doomed her to a life of mediocrity, desperately wants plastic surgery. When Jane floats the outrageous idea of stealing the generous cash gifts expected at the wedding as a solution to all of their woes, the temptation proves irresistible and the friends plan a daring heist.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Lulu, Jane and Rina, Women of Good Fortune unfolds over a period of about a year. As preparations for Lulu’s wedding continue under the dictatorial rule of her monstermother-in-law-to-be, the trio also work feverishly to devise a foolproof plan to get away with the cash.
The plans for the heist are pretty complex but it’s fun to see how the women go about solving each challenge, from enlisting the services of a counterfeiter, to flirting with the best man. I enjoyed the bursts of humour, and there are some tense moments too, with last minute complications threatening to ruin everything.
The three friends are interesting women, all quite different from each other. Lulu is the most sympathetic of the character’s, while Jane is probably the least likeable. The story is well grounded in its cultural setting, from the casual mentions of social touchstones, to the descriptions of traditions, yet Wan manages to communicate the universality of women’s experience as her protagonists grapple with their issues. Wan explores subjects such as the value of friendship, the management of family expectations, the desire for independence, and the importance of self worth, among others.
I found Women of Good Fortune to be an entertaining, smart and satisfying novel.
In ten months former restaurant hostess Lulu is to marry one of Shanghai’s most eligible bachelor’s, it will be the event of the season, attended by everyone who is anyone. Lulu should be deliriously happy, or so her mother insists, but instead she is miserable and longs to escape. Her best friends are similarly unhappy with their lives, Rina is continually overlooked for promotion at work, and as such the pay rise she needs to in order to preserve her fertility, while Jane, convinced her appearance has doomed her to a life of mediocrity, desperately wants plastic surgery. When Jane floats the outrageous idea of stealing the generous cash gifts expected at the wedding as a solution to all of their woes, the temptation proves irresistible and the friends plan a daring heist.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Lulu, Jane and Rina, Women of Good Fortune unfolds over a period of about a year. As preparations for Lulu’s wedding continue under the dictatorial rule of her monstermother-in-law-to-be, the trio also work feverishly to devise a foolproof plan to get away with the cash.
The plans for the heist are pretty complex but it’s fun to see how the women go about solving each challenge, from enlisting the services of a counterfeiter, to flirting with the best man. I enjoyed the bursts of humour, and there are some tense moments too, with last minute complications threatening to ruin everything.
The three friends are interesting women, all quite different from each other. Lulu is the most sympathetic of the character’s, while Jane is probably the least likeable. The story is well grounded in its cultural setting, from the casual mentions of social touchstones, to the descriptions of traditions, yet Wan manages to communicate the universality of women’s experience as her protagonists grapple with their issues. Wan explores subjects such as the value of friendship, the management of family expectations, the desire for independence, and the importance of self worth, among others.
I found Women of Good Fortune to be an entertaining, smart and satisfying novel.
April 29, 2024
I have to stop reading y'alls reviews when I'm still reading the book because it really does fuel the unkind belief I have that we are losing reading comprehension as a society.
Now I wouldn't say that any of the women featured here have snuck their way into being my favorite character, and at times they weren't the most fun to listen to. Still, most of the issues I had with them were actually addressed by the narrative and were brought up by characters in the book. It feels silly to penalize what was so clearly a deliberate decision on the part of Wan to craft this particular book.
I'll also say that I might not be the worlds biggest believer in the heist novel. I've read a few, and few have worked. I think that it's simply one of those things that works better in a movie where the moving parts feel cinematic in montage, but the feat of keeping all the moving pieces in the air in a book is harder. It's easier to pick out the flaws when there's nothing for them to hide behind. I don't think that's necessarily what I was doing here, but still actually reading about the heist wasn't as fun as reading about the planning.
I do appreciate stories about friendship; particularly stories where friendship starts to be tested and people start to call into question how real it all was and how much of it was self serving. Wan was able to strike that balance really well and have all the tensions really boil over in the third act. Honestly I thought that it was smart to move some of the conflict to the interpersonal connection of the three women and the strain the whole endeavor on their friendship and not rely on the actual heist to deliver all of the conflict and tension of the story.
So yeah, there were times where I did struggle to see the issues in their lives as they did. As an outsider it was easy for me to think that at times they were reacting in a way that felt outlandish, but it gave the characters somewhere to grow. Or even for them to convince me that I was simply in the wrong and not seeing things as they did. In the end it was an enjoyable time, certainly a good time, and one worth reading.
Now I wouldn't say that any of the women featured here have snuck their way into being my favorite character, and at times they weren't the most fun to listen to. Still, most of the issues I had with them were actually addressed by the narrative and were brought up by characters in the book. It feels silly to penalize what was so clearly a deliberate decision on the part of Wan to craft this particular book.
I'll also say that I might not be the worlds biggest believer in the heist novel. I've read a few, and few have worked. I think that it's simply one of those things that works better in a movie where the moving parts feel cinematic in montage, but the feat of keeping all the moving pieces in the air in a book is harder. It's easier to pick out the flaws when there's nothing for them to hide behind. I don't think that's necessarily what I was doing here, but still actually reading about the heist wasn't as fun as reading about the planning.
I do appreciate stories about friendship; particularly stories where friendship starts to be tested and people start to call into question how real it all was and how much of it was self serving. Wan was able to strike that balance really well and have all the tensions really boil over in the third act. Honestly I thought that it was smart to move some of the conflict to the interpersonal connection of the three women and the strain the whole endeavor on their friendship and not rely on the actual heist to deliver all of the conflict and tension of the story.
So yeah, there were times where I did struggle to see the issues in their lives as they did. As an outsider it was easy for me to think that at times they were reacting in a way that felt outlandish, but it gave the characters somewhere to grow. Or even for them to convince me that I was simply in the wrong and not seeing things as they did. In the end it was an enjoyable time, certainly a good time, and one worth reading.
November 7, 2023
4.5 stars.
Please tell me there will be a sequel to this book! The ending wrapped up everything nicely but I would hope to see all the characters again in a new book.
From the blurb I was expecting a Dial A for Aunties vibe, but was happy to get a Crazy Rich Asians feel to this novel. It said "heartwarming and funny", which it was, but the "funny" was far more subtle than expected and sarcastic, while I was hoping for some clever and amusing banter.
Society imposes many expectations on women, and this novel tackles the topic in relation to parental pressure, society's perception of physical beauty, and being held back from trying to climb the workplace ladder
as a woman of childbearing potential. While this story takes place in Shanghai, many women will relate to the issues that were playing out in this book.
This was truly a heartwarming book and the ending was so well done! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Please tell me there will be a sequel to this book! The ending wrapped up everything nicely but I would hope to see all the characters again in a new book.
From the blurb I was expecting a Dial A for Aunties vibe, but was happy to get a Crazy Rich Asians feel to this novel. It said "heartwarming and funny", which it was, but the "funny" was far more subtle than expected and sarcastic, while I was hoping for some clever and amusing banter.
Society imposes many expectations on women, and this novel tackles the topic in relation to parental pressure, society's perception of physical beauty, and being held back from trying to climb the workplace ladder
as a woman of childbearing potential. While this story takes place in Shanghai, many women will relate to the issues that were playing out in this book.
This was truly a heartwarming book and the ending was so well done! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 4, 2024
Think Oceans 8 and Crazy Rich Asians meshed as one group!
This would also make an amazing movie.
This would also make an amazing movie.
January 13, 2025
• Recommended in audiobook format only!
• Chinese girlies staging an ambitious heist on their bestie’s wedding day.
• Very focused on friendship, self-determination, and the resilience of women.
• More character-focused than plot-driven, delving into the societal pressures burdened onto women.
• Kinda mid but makes for an easy audiobook listen. 🎧
• Chinese girlies staging an ambitious heist on their bestie’s wedding day.
• Very focused on friendship, self-determination, and the resilience of women.
• More character-focused than plot-driven, delving into the societal pressures burdened onto women.
• Kinda mid but makes for an easy audiobook listen. 🎧
June 6, 2024
Последние несколько месяцев были полны стресса в связи с окончанием магистратуры, поэтому я либо ничего не читала вообще, либо читала максимально легкие и ненапрягающие произведения в перерывах между написанием диссертации и подготовкой к госэкзамену. В такие моменты тебе просто хочется ненадолго переключить на что-то мозг и особо не напрягаться. И “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” за авторством Софи Ван как нельзя кстати для этого подошла.
Современный Шанхай. Лулу готовиться выйти замуж за Харва – наследника успешной китайской корпорации. Лулу не особо любит своего жениха, но чувствует, что у нее нет выбора, так как на ней лежит бремя содержания родителей и семьи старшего брата. У Лулу есть две лучшие подруги – Джейн и Рина. Джейн ��же полгода состоит в браке с мужчиной, который женился на ней исключительно ради ее квартиры, ибо внешность и характер у нее так себе. Рина является холодной карьеристкой, которая пугает мужчин своей целеустремленностью, из-за чего она поставила крест на любви, но все равно хочет завести ребёнка. В Китае незамужняя женщина по закону не может сделать ЭКО, поэтому ей надо полететь в США. А еще из нее высасывают все соки на работе, но не дают заветное повышение.
Говорят, не в деньгах счастье, но их наличие определенно делает жизнь проще. Бракосочетание Лулу и Харва по праву можно считать чуть ли не свадьбой века. На свадьбу века, разумеется, придет очень много именитых гостей с огромным количеством денег в красных конвертах в качестве подар��а молодоженам. Скажем так, если ваши друзья не соглашаются ограбить вашу свадьбу с нелюбимым, то они вам не друзья.
По сути своей, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” является дикой смесью “Одиннадцати Друзей Оушена” из-за сюжета с ограблением и “Безумно Богатых Азиатов” из-за свадьбы и атмосферы, собственно, богатства.
Я была приятно удивлена тем, что автор не обошла стороной некогда действующую в Китае политику “одна семья – один ребенок” и как это сказалось на героинях. Лулу всю ее жизнь попрекали тем, что ее родителям пришлось заплатить огромный штраф за ее рождение (у них уже был сын), из-за чего она выросла размазней, считающей, что ей теперь всю жизнь надо расплачиваться за это. Джейн с рождения внушали, что она обязана удачно выйти замуж, но в то же время привили комплексы, связанные с внешностью. Теперь Джейн постоянно пилит своего мужа Цихао, мечтает сделать пластическую операцию, и покупает дешевые копии популярных брендов. Родители Рины являются более продвинутыми, они переехали в США еще до ее рождения и вернулись на родину, когда та была уже довольно взрослой. Рина никогда не ощущала себя своей ни в Америке, ни в Китае.
Так как это чиклит про ограбление, особых терзаний от героинь касательно морального аспекта сей действа не ждите. Такие истории не подразумевают подобного, как по мне. Когда вы смотрите “Одиннадцать Друзей Оушена”, вы не думаете насколько этически целесообразно грабить казино Терри Бенедикта только из-за того, что к нему ушла бывшая жена главного героя. Вы пришли посмотреть на то, смогут ли Дэнни Оушен с компанией сделать это или нет.
Мне понравилась, что хоть Харв выбрал Лулу в качестве своей невесты не из-за ее личных качеств, а потому что она приглянулась его родителям, г-жа Ван не демонизирует его. Он тоже в какой-то степени заложник заоблачных ожиданий своего отца. Она также на замутила Харву и Лулу любовную линию, что я тоже считаю плюсом. За любовные драмы у нас отвечают Джейн и ее муж, а также Рина и лучший друг жениха и такой же представитель китайской богемы – Вик. Обе линии довольно милые и приятные, с определенной толикой драмы, но особо одеяло на себя не тянут.
Как уже говорилось, Цихао женился на Джейн ради ее квартиры. Эту самую квартиру родители Джейн купили ей по причине того, что считали, будто на их “уродливую” дочь никто без такого бонуса даже не посмотрит. Джейн злится на все и всех: на родителей, на стандарты красоты, на дороговизну брендовых вещей, и на Цихао, но свои фрустрации выливает на последнего. Цихао пытается прийти к компромиссу, и его иногда становится даже жаль. Джейн не особо располагает к себе, как персонаж, если быть честной. Она является дикой помесью худших качеств Керри Брэдшоу и Шарлотты Йорк из “Секса в Большом Городе”. Однако, по итогу именно она переживает самую серьезную внутреннюю метаморфозу и при этом не изменяет себе.
У Рины и Вика ситуация более стандартная. Он свободолюбивый и ветренный, а она – серьезная и целеустремленная. Они познакомились в колледже и уже тогда Рина составила о Вике далеко не лучшее впечатление, которое с тех пор не менялось, хотя прошло лет десять. Их взаимодействие – есть клишированное “противоположности притягиваются”, которого полно в чиклитах и ромкомах. Читать про них, тем не менее, было приятно.
Главным эмоциональным фокалом здесь является дружба между Лулу, Джейн и Риной. Удивительно, что настолько разные люди в принципе смогли подружиться. Рина и Джейн обе довольно упрямы и их характеры и ценности прямо противоположны. Рина ставит выше всего независимость и саморазвитие, а Джейн восполняет пустоту своей жизни многочисленными покупками. Как уже говорилось, Лулу из-за своего воспитания довольно безхребетна, она чувствует себя под давлением двух тяжелых личностей, хотя те давить на нее сознательно не пытаются.
В начале, когда только начали разрабатывать план и совершать первые приготовление к его осуществлению, Софи Ван неплохо удавалось держать мой интерес, но в середине книга начала проседать, пока не случилась драма третьего акта: все подруги не перессорились и между собой, и со своими мужчинами. Какой-то внятной подводки к первому не было и мне показалось, что автор как-то поздновато вспомнила про то, что ей надо подруг развезти. Перед этим, по моим ощущением, г-жа Ван довольно часто пыталась переливать из пустого в порожнее одну и ту же информацию.
Вообще, вся книга читается, как сценарий к фильму, и, не буду лукавить, я бы такое кино посмотрела. В целом, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” проходиться по всем клише, которые только могут быть в средненьком таком ромкоме. Когда началась непосредственно свадьба, мне снова стало интересно. События шли довольно бодро, напряжение держалось, да и твистов тоже смогли подкинуть, и это, на мой взгляд, главная задача историй про ограбления. Может быть, все закончилось как-то нереалистично и чересчур сказочно, но такова фишка жанра.
Как итог, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” – это приятная книга для того, чтобы отключить мозг и скрасить себе пару вечеров. Ничего революционного здесь нет, есть определенные проблемы с пейсингом, да и мораль проста и понятна. Тем не менее, со своей основной задачей (дать мне немного отдохнуть) она справилась.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
Современный Шанхай. Лулу готовиться выйти замуж за Харва – наследника успешной китайской корпорации. Лулу не особо любит своего жениха, но чувствует, что у нее нет выбора, так как на ней лежит бремя содержания родителей и семьи старшего брата. У Лулу есть две лучшие подруги – Джейн и Рина. Джейн ��же полгода состоит в браке с мужчиной, который женился на ней исключительно ради ее квартиры, ибо внешность и характер у нее так себе. Рина является холодной карьеристкой, которая пугает мужчин своей целеустремленностью, из-за чего она поставила крест на любви, но все равно хочет завести ребёнка. В Китае незамужняя женщина по закону не может сделать ЭКО, поэтому ей надо полететь в США. А еще из нее высасывают все соки на работе, но не дают заветное повышение.
Говорят, не в деньгах счастье, но их наличие определенно делает жизнь проще. Бракосочетание Лулу и Харва по праву можно считать чуть ли не свадьбой века. На свадьбу века, разумеется, придет очень много именитых гостей с огромным количеством денег в красных конвертах в качестве подар��а молодоженам. Скажем так, если ваши друзья не соглашаются ограбить вашу свадьбу с нелюбимым, то они вам не друзья.
По сути своей, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” является дикой смесью “Одиннадцати Друзей Оушена” из-за сюжета с ограблением и “Безумно Богатых Азиатов” из-за свадьбы и атмосферы, собственно, богатства.
Я была приятно удивлена тем, что автор не обошла стороной некогда действующую в Китае политику “одна семья – один ребенок” и как это сказалось на героинях. Лулу всю ее жизнь попрекали тем, что ее родителям пришлось заплатить огромный штраф за ее рождение (у них уже был сын), из-за чего она выросла размазней, считающей, что ей теперь всю жизнь надо расплачиваться за это. Джейн с рождения внушали, что она обязана удачно выйти замуж, но в то же время привили комплексы, связанные с внешностью. Теперь Джейн постоянно пилит своего мужа Цихао, мечтает сделать пластическую операцию, и покупает дешевые копии популярных брендов. Родители Рины являются более продвинутыми, они переехали в США еще до ее рождения и вернулись на родину, когда та была уже довольно взрослой. Рина никогда не ощущала себя своей ни в Америке, ни в Китае.
Так как это чиклит про ограбление, особых терзаний от героинь касательно морального аспекта сей действа не ждите. Такие истории не подразумевают подобного, как по мне. Когда вы смотрите “Одиннадцать Друзей Оушена”, вы не думаете насколько этически целесообразно грабить казино Терри Бенедикта только из-за того, что к нему ушла бывшая жена главного героя. Вы пришли посмотреть на то, смогут ли Дэнни Оушен с компанией сделать это или нет.
Мне понравилась, что хоть Харв выбрал Лулу в качестве своей невесты не из-за ее личных качеств, а потому что она приглянулась его родителям, г-жа Ван не демонизирует его. Он тоже в какой-то степени заложник заоблачных ожиданий своего отца. Она также на замутила Харву и Лулу любовную линию, что я тоже считаю плюсом. За любовные драмы у нас отвечают Джейн и ее муж, а также Рина и лучший друг жениха и такой же представитель китайской богемы – Вик. Обе линии довольно милые и приятные, с определенной толикой драмы, но особо одеяло на себя не тянут.
Как уже говорилось, Цихао женился на Джейн ради ее квартиры. Эту самую квартиру родители Джейн купили ей по причине того, что считали, будто на их “уродливую” дочь никто без такого бонуса даже не посмотрит. Джейн злится на все и всех: на родителей, на стандарты красоты, на дороговизну брендовых вещей, и на Цихао, но свои фрустрации выливает на последнего. Цихао пытается прийти к компромиссу, и его иногда становится даже жаль. Джейн не особо располагает к себе, как персонаж, если быть честной. Она является дикой помесью худших качеств Керри Брэдшоу и Шарлотты Йорк из “Секса в Большом Городе”. Однако, по итогу именно она переживает самую серьезную внутреннюю метаморфозу и при этом не изменяет себе.
У Рины и Вика ситуация более стандартная. Он свободолюбивый и ветренный, а она – серьезная и целеустремленная. Они познакомились в колледже и уже тогда Рина составила о Вике далеко не лучшее впечатление, которое с тех пор не менялось, хотя прошло лет десять. Их взаимодействие – есть клишированное “противоположности притягиваются”, которого полно в чиклитах и ромкомах. Читать про них, тем не менее, было приятно.
Главным эмоциональным фокалом здесь является дружба между Лулу, Джейн и Риной. Удивительно, что настолько разные люди в принципе смогли подружиться. Рина и Джейн обе довольно упрямы и их характеры и ценности прямо противоположны. Рина ставит выше всего независимость и саморазвитие, а Джейн восполняет пустоту своей жизни многочисленными покупками. Как уже говорилось, Лулу из-за своего воспитания довольно безхребетна, она чувствует себя под давлением двух тяжелых личностей, хотя те давить на нее сознательно не пытаются.
В начале, когда только начали разрабатывать план и совершать первые приготовление к его осуществлению, Софи Ван неплохо удавалось держать мой интерес, но в середине книга начала проседать, пока не случилась драма третьего акта: все подруги не перессорились и между собой, и со своими мужчинами. Какой-то внятной подводки к первому не было и мне показалось, что автор как-то поздновато вспомнила про то, что ей надо подруг развезти. Перед этим, по моим ощущением, г-жа Ван довольно часто пыталась переливать из пустого в порожнее одну и ту же информацию.
Вообще, вся книга читается, как сценарий к фильму, и, не буду лукавить, я бы такое кино посмотрела. В целом, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” проходиться по всем клише, которые только могут быть в средненьком таком ромкоме. Когда началась непосредственно свадьба, мне снова стало интересно. События шли довольно бодро, напряжение держалось, да и твистов тоже смогли подкинуть, и это, на мой взгляд, главная задача историй про ограбления. Может быть, все закончилось как-то нереалистично и чересчур сказочно, но такова фишка жанра.
Как итог, “Женщины с Хорошим Состоянием” – это приятная книга для того, чтобы отключить мозг и скрасить себе пару вечеров. Ничего революционного здесь нет, есть определенные проблемы с пейсингом, да и мораль проста и понятна. Тем не менее, со своей основной задачей (дать мне немного отдохнуть) она справилась.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
August 24, 2023
A book that is about some young women who are money obsessed. They want rich husbands, they are obsessed with brand name items and want to shop. They are trying to come up with a plan to steal the box of money gifted at a wedding so that one of the characters doesn’t have to marry the guy but can get the money.
I found this story mundane and fairly ridiculous. while I am sure there are conversations like this going, I am very glad I don’t have women like this in my life.
I found this story mundane and fairly ridiculous. while I am sure there are conversations like this going, I am very glad I don’t have women like this in my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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