Name: The Girls of Good Fortune
Rating: 4.0 (4 reviews)
Author: Kristina McMorris

About this book

Summary
Book Club Questions
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 guide will contain spoilers!

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 apply in real life? If so, how?
By the end of the book, which characters would you consider "girls of good fortune," and in which ways?
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?
Similarly, 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?
Of all the characters in the novel, who are your ...

Please be aware that this discussion may contain spoilers!

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

In the epilogue, the narrator ponders the evolution and usages of racial terminology over time. Do you agree or disagree with those views?
I think intent can mean well intended, but well intended people can use language that is hurtful and offensive because they lack awareness. Lack of awareness does not excuse being hurtful. Now I think there is a backlash to being "woke". To me being woke is being aware. Now it's bad to be aware o...
-Pamela_K

Why do you think Gordon Humphrey was so set on a ban on those of Chinese ancestry, even while profiting off them?
I guess the real question is why are people racist? I wish I knew. History continues to repeat itself. About the time you think society is making progress toward acceptance and inclusion you see it reverting and once again self serving interests capitalize on marginalized or less powerful people.
-Pamela_K

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?
I agree with Janie completely. I don't think Owen's identity was explored to any great degree and it could have been and made the book stronger.
-Pamela_K

Overall, what did you think of The Girls of Good Fortune? (no spoilers, please!)
I enjoyed The Girls of Good Fortune at the beginning and appreciated learning about how the Chinese were persecuted and treated in the late 1800's. Though massacres of Chinese people is not happening in the 21st century there still are racist sentiments alive and well today. I actually think atti...
-Pamela_K

By the end of the book, which characters would you consider “girls of good fortune” and in which ways?
I would have to say Pearl and the grand daughters of Celia. To have the story and lessons of how hard she worked for their futures is their good fortune.
-Maureen_S

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?
As others have indicated, the whole "shanghai" aspect of the story would not have worked. And the railroads that Chinese immigrants helped build were mostly complete by 1910. By that time, many of the issues highlighted in the book were no longer as relevant.
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
Once again, @Luisa_H did a wonderful job responding to this question!
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
The Girls of Good Fortune is another must-read volume for fans of historical fiction by the very talented Kristina McMorris, whose other books include The Ways We Hide , Sold on a Monday , The Edge of Lost, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves , and Letters from Home . I also recommend historical fiction by ...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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 knew about the bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination that Chinese immigrants, like so many other groups, were subjected to. I did not know about the massacres! If you had asked me a year ago if I thought the outcome would be different today, I would have said yes . I am a retired litigator an...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
I wish my mother had taught me to speak Norwegian. Sadly, as the years went on she forgot a lot of it herself, but when she was growing up, Norwegian was spoken at home because her grandparents lived with the family and they never learned to speak English. Like so many people during that era, Cel...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
Marie revealed herself to be a woman who truly cared about others, despite the first impression McMorris gave readers of her. Again, McMorris deftly transformed the character as the story progressed, illustrating that she was also a victim of her circumstances. She loved children and protected Pe...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

Of all the characters in the novel, who are your favorites? Did your impression of anyone significantly change?
Surprisingly, Owen ended up being my favorite character. McMorris told his story so thoughtfully and with great finesse, completely upending all that readers initially believed about him & making us see him in a totally different, sympathetic light.
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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 thought that was a really interesting aspect of the story, and obviously very personal to the author. It's understandable that Celia would consider that approach, given the extreme bigotry and xenophobia to which Chinese immigrants were subjected. Society was very structured in those days, and ...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
Our family histories shape who we become. So many of us in America are the children/descendants of immigrants, and the tales of how our relatives came here, the hardships they endured, etc. are imprinted in our psyches. Those experiences forged our relatives' values, beliefs, dreams, etc. and tho...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
I had heard the term "shanghaied" and understood it to mean that someone was kidnapped or abducted. But I never knew that it actually meant being imprisoned and forced to perform hard labor as a deckhand. I did not realize that the practice ended when steamships came into use and had no knowledge...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
Apparently, Abigail grew up and fell in love, but McMorris doesn't reveal more. Perhaps there is another book in the works that will reveal what happened to Abigail??
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
Celia was determined to keep her beloved child and raise her. Pearl was conceived in love and Celia was naive in many ways. She was very young, inexperienced, & not worldly. She innocently believed that Stephen truly loved her and that when he returned from school, it would be the two of them aga...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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 complicated mixture of naivete and insight. She naively believed Stephen loved her and would marry her, and they would find a way to make their marriage work in a society that was structured to reject their union. Her threats to the mayor were spontaneous and unplanned, the result of ...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

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?
I agree with @Luisa_H 's observations/remarks. Volumes have been and will be written about the complicated emotions and challenges motherhood invokes. I saw shifts in perception in my own family as old traditions and outlooks fell away in favor of more enlightened and inclusive embraces of new fa...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

Celia’s journey entails numerous twists and turns. Were there any you found especially surprising?
All of the twists were surprising, well-times, and added to the dramatic tension. The biggest surprise, however, was the way that Owen protected Celia & turned out to be a very sympathetic character, given that the author originally set him up to be a villain. That development was very well-writt...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess

Does Kristina McMorris Zoom in to book clubs?
Kristina McMorris has a website. It looks like you could contact her.
-Luisa_H

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

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.

Reader Reviews

Write your own review

Elizabeth@Silver's Reviews

Elizabeth@Silver's Reviews - Excellent historical fiction
Excellent storyline and research.

We see Celia in the opening chapter drugged and in a cell with no idea how she got there.

We then meet Celia as a housekeeper in a wealthy family and a predicament that has her being removed from the home.

THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE takes us back and forth from Celia's time before the imprisonment and during the imprisonment at a time when there was anti-Chinese sentiment.

It is a bit confusing at first with the two timelines, but both are so well done that they pull you right in.

This is another Kristina McMorris gem that you won't be able to put down, and you will feel for every heartache Celia endures.

I do wish Celia would have made different decisions with some of her predicaments.

Don't miss this one even though it is a bit of heavy reading and at times intense, but an excellent historical fiction read that will keep you glued to the pages. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Peggy W.

Made me think about my perspective of Chinese culture
This wonderful book tells the story of discrimination against Chinese and other oriental people groups and I think that is a tale that hasn’t gotten much attention. It is also a tale of the bravery of a woman for her child and although some of it seemed a bit “over the top,” I found it inspiring and convincing. Who are we as humans? Why do we love with such intensity? Why have women had to stand up to so much? I must admit to a penchant for stories about Chinese women having once traveled to China and realized a) how different that culture is and b) how lucky we are in the USA.

Emily

Great historical fiction read
This historical fiction book takes readers to Portland, Oregon in the 1880s, when/where anti-Chinese sentiment in the US is high. American-Chinese Celia passes for white and keeps her heritage a secret. We start with Celia having been kidnapped. As she tries to escape, we go back several years to her some of her back story, which is heartbreaking through and through, but man is she tough!

I had a bit of a hard time starting the book, but once I got into it, I was completely engrossed. I enjoyed Celia’s story and learning more about this time in U.S. history, which I admittedly know little about. I did engage with our main character Celia but really loved the supporting character Marie, who IMO needs her own book!

I was happy to see the author’s note and Q&A at the end, which dove further into the Chinese experience in America at that time (and after). I always look for this with historical fiction and appreciate the additional background.

While the book had a lot of sadness, I also found it to be inspirational and hopeful. The writing was thoughtful and treated the characters with care. I’ve had McMorris’ “Sold on a Monday” on my physical TBR for a while and will definitely bump it up in order!

Rebecca

A bit disappointing
I was eager to read this book, both because I enjoyed Sold on a Monday and because of the book blurb description of a tale of a woman, Celia, shanghaied. I was disappointed as the description doesn’t accurately portray what the book is about or maybe I just assumed it was something else. The book is essentially two stories; before and after Celia is kidnapped. Before, Celia, a half Chinese woman who passes as Caucasian, is working as a housekeeper for the Mayor of Portland. She falls for the Mayor’s son, becomes pregnant and is sent to be a housekeeper in a brothel. Her life is difficult but tolerable until she becomes obsessed with the trial of men accused of killing Chinese workers.

As her father has also died in a similar massacre, she is determined to see justice done. This leads to her kidnapping. Unfortunately the second half of the book dissolves into a somewhat ridiculous series of adventures and misadventures until the ending which was slightly less ridiculous. The redeeming quality of this book is the impeccable research into the oppression and hatred of Chinese immigrants and the mass killings of Chinese workers. I believe Ms. McMorris did her research a disservice with her story. The epilogue is excellent, the rest, disappointing .

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