Name: The Girls of Good Fortune
Rating: 4.5 (6 reviews)
Author: Kristina McMorris

About this book

Summary
Discuss

Book Summary

Brave the Shanghai tunnels. Fight for love and justice. A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story.

Oregon, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of Portland's notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival―being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment―she fears that far more than her own fate hangs in the balance.

As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets could prove deadlier than the dark recesses of Chinatown.

Please be aware that this discussion may contain spoilers!

See what our members are saying about this book in our Community Forum.

Mrs. Downey thinks it would be best for Celia to give up her baby but Celia refuses. What did you think of this decision? What about her choice later, when she refuses the offer of financial support? What would you have done in these circumstances?
Luisa has an excellent point—-Pearl is Celia's lifeline, and it would break her to give up Pearl. The most sensible choice would have been to marry and relocate, but Celia from the beginning was wholly emotional and just could not be sensible. Her survival through numerous dangers were far-fetche...
-Donna_M

To what audience would you recommend The Girls of Good Fortune? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
I would recommend this to some book clubs because they would have really lively discussions. While the book is more fiction than history, it might make a good introduction to the subject.
-Donna_M

Celia wonders if she could withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage if the girl’s features never betray her Chinese background. What do you think of this question? Should information like this ever be withheld, in your opinion? Why or why not?
I also wondered how she was able to "pass," especially because of the widespread attitude toward mixed race. I was confused at her pride in her Chinese while at the same time keeping it hidden unless it could benefit her.
-Donna_M

Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
Like Rebecca, I didn't really like any of the characters. I was surprised by Lettie's duplicity and more surprised by Mayor Bettencourt.
-Donna_M

Marie initially tells Celia she and Pearl will have to leave but then allows them to stay. What do you feel causes her change of heart? Did her decision surprise you?
As others have pointed out, Marie was not really mean-spirited. One wouldn't expect a child in a brothel—it would set a precedent for others to want the same. Certainly when Marie discovered Celia's father was Chinese her opinion changed. She also realized Celia's and Pearl's total desperation. I...
-Donna_M

Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
I was surprised at Celia's many and difficult escapes.
-Donna_M

Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
The story itself was interesting, showing some of the challenges of Chinese Americans. I was unsurprised at the treatment of the Chinese because it seems to always be a part our history that new groups are singled out for persecution. All in all, I was disappointed in the book. Parts seemed very ...
-Donna_M

In the author’s note, she says she’d originally planned on Celia’s story to take place around 1910. How much of the story would have been different, do you think, if it hadn’t been set in the time period the author ultimately chose?
The current events would be different, the massacres had an impact on the the story line in 1880
-Dorothy_H

By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
Cecelia had to endure a lot to finally have good fortune. She proved to be a strong woman which will be passed to Pearl.
-Dorothy_H

Had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?
I was unaware of the massacres. Today it would be covered 24 hours a day on streaming venues. The underground tunnels I was aware of in some port cities, especially those during proabition.
-Dorothy_H

As a child Celia begged her father to teach her Chinese, but he refused. Why do you suppose this was? If your ancestors hale from a country where English isn't spoken, how did they feel about retaining their language and culture after immigrating?
Her father wanted her to blend in, she passed for white. Chinese were hated during the time.
-Dorothy_H

Celia has the opportunity to torpedo the mayor’s career but she chooses not to. Why do you suppose she refrained? What do you think the consequences might have been if she’d proceeded? What do you think you might have done in her place?
Celia was a very intelligent woman who understood the ramifications of such an undertaking. She was not willing to do anything that would harm her daughter's ability to make it in the world they lived in.
-Susan_P1

Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
Actually, it was 1943 but there was a quota that allowed only 150 Chinese immigrants to go through the citizenship process. It was until Large-scale Chinese immigration to the US didn't occur until the[Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 which removed national origin quotas. I agree with the ...
-Susan_P1

In the prologue, the woman we learn is Celia’s granddaughter says that she’s been shaped by “not just those on the branches of my family tree but also by their stories.” How do you think our forebears’ stories shape us?
I think stories are easiest to remember and relate to–whenever I hear a story about a distant family member I feel close to them event if I never met them. Stories often include feelings in addition to events which makes them timeless.
-Aprile_G

Kristina McMorris books
The Girls of Good Fortune is a very good book. I strongly recommend that you read an earlier historical fiction from Kristina McMorris called Sold on a Monday. It is also terrific.
-Lloyd_R

During a run-in with Celia, Abigail claims she can relate to Celia’s romantic plight but she fails to expound. What do you imagine her experience might have been, and how does her sense of commonality with Celia ultimately affect their relationship?
I've been thinking about this one. The only romantic link I can think of for Abigail is maybe with the family's carriage driver, Timothy Vale. Abigail must know that this relationship would be totally unacceptable to her mother. Timothy decides to leave his employment with the Bettencourts and mo...
-Luisa_H

Several Chinese proverbs are woven through the novel, including “Fortune rests in misfortune” and “Knowledge changes destiny.” How do these apply to the story? Do you believe they also apply in real life? If so, how?
Luisa did a beautiful job demonstrating how each of these proverbs played into Celia's life. Proverbs are wise sayings and usually prove to be true in each of our lives. I am probably going to show my age but, when I was in grade school, each day we had a proverb written on the board to copy in o...
-Maureen_S

In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
-kim.kovacs

Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen's struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
-kim.kovacs

Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother’s behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
Motherhood is a central element of the story, with a range of emotions including love, joy, pride, self-doubt, shame, and guilt. By the end, Celia comes to view her mother's behavior differently upon reflection. Can you relate to a similar shift of perspective involving family or other loved ones?
-kim.kovacs

Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or “shanghaied”? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
Were you already familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels and the practice of being crimped or "shanghaied"? What is the most interesting thing you learned about the topic?
-kim.kovacs

The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
Please join BookBrowse in our book club discussion of The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
-kim.kovacs

What are you reading this week? (5/1/2025)
I forgot to add THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris - I will be there for that discussion also. Thanks for the book, BookBrowse.
-Elizabeth

What are you reading this week? (04/10/2025)
I am reading Kristina McMorris' latest, The Girls of Good Fortune. It comes out on May 20, and it is very good!
-Lloyd_R

What are you reading this week? (4/3/2025)?
I am reading The Girls of Good Fortune, by Kristina McMorris. I am gearing up for the May 15 book club discussion of this book. Can't wait!
-Lloyd_R

Membership Advantages

Reviews
"Beyond the Book" articles
Free books to read and review (US only)
Find books by time period, setting & theme
Read-alike suggestions by book and author
Book club discussions
and much more!
Just $60 for 12 months or $20 for 3 months.
More about membership!

Media Reviews

"This poignant story of courage and defiance will please fans of Kristin Hannah and Lisa Wingate." —Library Journal

"The Girls of Good Fortune shines with a captivating blend of intrigue and heart, celebrating the resilience of a woman determined to reclaim her life. Set against the vibrant yet dangerous backdrop of 1880s Portland, Celia's journey is a powerful testament to hope. Richly layered, this novel reminds us that even in the darkest places, light and love find a way to endure." —Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee and The Leftover Woman

"Kristina McMorris is a master in the art of storytelling, weaving a heart-pounding adventure of freedom and survival. With Chinese culture, the questions of fate, and a child's life at stake, the power of women helping each other and the bond of love come alive in this extraordinary novel. From hidden identities to the search for belonging, this fast-paced novel takes readers through the saloons, brothels, and Shanghai tunnels of Portland's forgotten past. With vivid characters and a history long buried now unearthed, The Girls of Good Fortune brings legend to life. A must read you don't want to miss." —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

"In this page-turning, propulsive read, McMorris shines a light on a forgotten corner of America, where immigrants faced withering odds, as well as on one woman's fight to rise above the fray. A gripping tale of family, identity, and redemption that I simply couldn't put down. One of McMorris's best yet." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen

"Novels like this are why I read historical fiction. The Girls of Good Fortune reveals a little-known corner of history through a thoughtfully crafted, intimate, and deeply felt tale. Laying bare the impact of an anti-Asian massacre on a young woman's life, Kristina McMorris once again kept me up all hours reading to learn how her heroine would find justice…and love." —Janie Chang, Globe & Mail bestselling author of The Phoenix Crown

This information about The Girls of Good Fortune was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

Membership Advantages

Reviews
"Beyond the Book" articles
Free books to read and review (US only)
Find books by time period, setting & theme
Read-alike suggestions by book and author
Book club discussions
and much more!
Just $60 for 12 months or $20 for 3 months.
More about membership!

Author Information

Biography
Books by this Author

Kristina McMorris Author Biography

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times bestselling author of two novellas and six novels, including the runaway bestseller Sold on a Monday. Initially inspired by her grandparents' WWII courtship letters, her works of fiction have garnered more than twenty national literary awards. Prior to her writing career, she owned a wedding-and-event planning company until she had far surpassed her limit of YMCA and chicken dances. She also worked as a weekly TV-show host for Warner Bros. and an ABC affiliate, beginning at age nine with an Emmy Award-winning program. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she lives near Portland, Oregon, where (ironically) she's entirely deficient of a green thumb and doesn't own a single umbrella.

Author Interview
Link to Kristina McMorris's Website