The Snow Leopard of Shanghai

by Erin Pizzey

Sophia Oblimova and her sister Elena flee Russia during the final days of the Czar's regime, seeking refuge in corrupt Shanghai, where they must begin new, harsher lives

Genres: Historical Fiction, Novels, British Literature, Fiction

596 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

Reviews

[Sandra Mccarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a KEEPER shelf with books I like very well, and from time to time I will reread them. This is one of those books. The only reason I give it four stars, and not five, is because I think Erin Pizzey bailed out on Sophia with a flimsy, very dissapointing ending. It almost seemed like Pizzey was too exhausted to give Sophia a solid ending, one that would have left you wondering what other adventures she had, and we didn't know about. Instead, I was left thinking "this is it?"

Beyond that, the book is very well written, entertaining, and very interesting. Sophia's character is exasperating sometimes, but she is a genuinely likeable character, and Pizzey is good about keeping the story rolling. I also liked the way Pizzey leads in, as Sophia tells her life story to the reporter, and their surprise connection.

As I said, I have read it several times over the years, and enjoy it.

[Pelinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of hope, reality, and character of facts. Well written, as I cope with the feeling, weather, and the toleration of disrespect. Suddenly a story is being told by the writer who've survived. Awesome book, I'd enjoyed reading the book at least once or twice a year. One of my best books, words carefully describing the details with utmost of feeling.

[Monika Szydlowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read and a page-turner. This is my second time through reading this book. I’m at the end of the book and I don’t want it to end. It’s an entertaining story, set in an interesting time. For the most part, it has kept me very interested, especially now at the end. Now, towards the end of the book, I don’t want to put it down, but I also don’t want it to end! I will be keeping this in my library to read again down the road.

[Clyde · Rating 2 out of 5]

An aristocratic Russian lady escapes to China at the time of the Bolshevik revolution - her adventures there. Not particularly memorable, but good in parts.

[Lori Porten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been overlooked within my reading circle. It's a very interesting book, and a great value for the price. Lots of pages.

[Joseph Morin · Rating 2 out of 5]

My disappointments with this novel derive largely from a case of bad advertising: the back-of-the-book synopsis doesn't become relevant till 2/3 into the narrative! Even then, the story brushes past all the beats about which I'd rather have read. Snow Leopard is, in summation, a story of missed potential.

Still, Erin Pizzey crafts her characters in three-dimensions --with strong personalities-- and her metaphorical descriptions are vivid. Its heroine is impressively flawed, and well-developed; its supporting cast are memorable, and good foils to Sofia. Snow Leopard is also a provocative portrait of revolutionary Russia, and Shanghai. The world's political undertones engaged, and taught me a fair deal about that time and place of the world.

The Snow Leopard of Shanghai is good If You Read Passively (it'd be better if 300 pages were cut from the second act).

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending could have been a whole other book. It felt very rushed and incomplete.

[Deena B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.....I would have liked it to be a lot meatier, deeper, and grittier. Kind of glossed over and candy - coated some very heavy and interesting issues.

[Laura Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Leslie Herrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this has been my most read book I have owned this book for over 20 years and Sophia is electrifying I love her attitude and her spunk. Only she could live through all of this and come out resilient. If you have not read this book hurry find a copy and read you will not be sorry this is the book I pick up when I feel my life spin out of control.