The Girls of Good Fortune

By Kristina McMorris

An Intriguing and Educational Story

   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY

Ceilcia is half-Chinese and passes as white while working for the wealthy yet dodgy Portland mayor and his family. However, when Ceilcia’s circumstances change, she must chart her own path. When she is unintentionally caught up in a gambling raid, she wakes up to discover that she has been drugged and shanghaied. Dressed as a man, she finds herself in an underground cell and in the process of being sold and shipped off to forced labor, leaving behind all those she loves.

REVIEW

GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE is an interesting and intriguing historical fiction novel set in Oregon amid the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment of the late nineteenth century.  Ceilcia’s family, identity, fortitude, and determination remain paramount throughout every page of the story.

Author Kristina McMorris’s writing is compelling and educational, and she brings Celia's emotions and character to life.  A favorite part of the book was learning about Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels and underground labyrinth.  I also enjoyed learning about the Asian or Pacific Rim mixed-race heritage, also known as hapas.  And while I found the Hells Canyon and Rock Spring massacre horrendous to read about, it was immensely informative.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Publisher    Sourcebooks Landmark

Published   May 20, 2025

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com