I’ll cut straight to the chase… The Phoenix Crown is a must–read for historical fiction lovers and, really, just about anyone who loves reading strong female characters.

From this novel’s opening page, I was captivated by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang’s strikingly evocative narrative.

The fictional tapestry within which the authors have woven real historical people and events is vivid and alive; the folly and decadence of high society against a backdrop of racial tension reaching fever pitch in San Francisco’s Chinatown at the turn of the 1900s.

The feisty women centre stage are barely contained by this novel’s pages. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/2024/02/the-phoenix-crown-kate-quinn-janie-... ( )

Enjoyable book focusing on 4 women who encounter a man just before the SF earthquake. Even though it was a major event I have not read much about it but this was an interesting story. I especially loved that Alice was actually a real person. Some nice twists and turns. ( )

Great detail of a fascinating period. Liked the dual authors' note at the end as well. ( )

It's the story of four women, two of them are the main characters, but all four played a huge role in the story.

Gemma is an emerging opera singer. She sings in the chorus and has never climbed up, despite her wonderful voice. She struggles with migraines. Gemma decides to move to San Francisco to meet her best friend, Nellie. But Nellie left town without any notice.

Suling, a Chinese woman who lost her parents, tries to escape an arranged marriage. She can make beautiful silk plants and dresses up as a boy every day to make it easier to find a job. She is devastated when Reggie, her lover, unexpectedly leaves her. Her opportunity to raise more money comes when she is noticed by Alice Eastwood, the curator of Botany, who asks her to make flowers for her.

All four women have one thing in common. Everyone knows Henry Thornton, a rich and successful man who tries to help Gemma become a star. He orders silk flowers from Suling. And he knew Nellie, an artist who left San Francisco. Or maybe she didn't? Maybe Henry isn't who they think he is?

The action takes place in San Francisco in 1906, during a devastating earthquake. Halfway through the book, the reader can get to know all the women and their struggles. In the second part of the book, when the city is struck by an earthquake, more drama and mystery await the women.

I liked the secrecy surrounding the Phoenix Crown, a relic from Beijing, and the special touch of Queen of the Night, a plant that blooms only one night a year. I was drawn to the atmosphere of San Francisco and Chinatown at that time of history. It's not the book I expected, but it was an enjoyable read. ( )

I loved this book, which is centered around female relationships and the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Gemma, Alice, Suling, and Reggie have closely connected stories, but they manage to find each other and build friendships leading up to the earthquake - and to run afoul of one Henry Thorton, a shady millionaire with an interest in Chinese antiques and the owner of the Phoenix Crown, a priceless relic. Overall, this book was fast-paced read, thoroughly enjoyable, and I hope to read more from both authors. ( )