Book Review: Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

 

Written by Safa Alhassan 

Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan gives a blend of Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s Eight, and a little Beyoncé Who Run the World (Girls) moment. It's a very sophisticated read. It’s for every strong woman who has found herself or is still in the process and is finally giving everything she’s always deserved back to herself. Sophie Wan's voice in this book is delicate and mild. I loved how easy, and at the same time not exactly too easy, she made the read.

One thing I really love is how the book clearly separates femininity from feminism. I also loved how many of the Mandarin words weren’t translated. It added culture, authenticity, and made me feel like I was properly inside their world, sipping some tea I can’t pronounce in Shanghai.

The book is about three women; Lulu, Jane, and Faye who come together to plan a heist. The goal was to help Lulu escape marrying a man from a wealthy, aristocratic family whom she doesn’t even love. I especially loved how the idea for the heist wasn’t even initially serious it was just Jane joking around when they all met up to catch up and plan Lulu’s wedding. Because I didn’t read the synopsis before starting, I didn’t realise they’d actually follow through with the plan. The early conversation about the heist felt very natural and mysterious, and I have to commend the book for that.

For Jane, the heist was her chance to finally leave her selfish husband and get herself a new look through plastic surgery, to help her fit into their society’s beauty standards. I couldn’t quite understand the Chinese beauty standard, and it threw me off when Jane kept calling herself ugly just because she didn’t look like a model. To be honest, some of the beauty expectations over there were so ridiculous that I actually laughed out loud.

For Faye, the heist might just be her big break a once-in-a-lifetime chance to escape working under a conceited boss who has refused to promote her after years of hard work. I could really relate to that. She was actually one of my favourite characters in the book a hardworking and beautiful woman just trying to get ahead.

What I loved most about the book was the culture, and how these women were taking their power back. There were so many “Go girl!” moments for me. And quite a few “Owwww, I didn’t know that about the Chinese!” ones too. It felt like I was in a totally different world, just learning and absorbing. I also liked how the book focused a lot on femininity, beauty, fashion, and all the soft-life goodness.

Lulu’s family are probably the most annoying characters I’ve read in a while, especially her brother and mother. I was honestly disappointed and irritated. I guess a part of me just wanted her to have that fairy-tale wedding that was being planned but with actual love in it. I was really rooting for the ladies like they were my friends or something. I just believe all women deserve the princess lifestyle and none should be downtrodden or made to feel less than they are. Having read so many pitiable stories about women, I was finally happy to see someone taking the bull by the horns. I was dancing in my head with fireworks and all the good stuff as I read this pleasant book.

Overall, it’s a very sophisticated and modern book. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the slow pace. I’m usually a bit impatient if a book doesn’t hook me immediately. And it was a little predictable in some places. But honestly, I love Chinese culture! And I’m not even envious of people who don’t read because, like, why not? What would you rather be doing? I was in another world while reading this, and I really enjoyed it.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s Eight, or just wants to read about strong, beautiful dramatic women.