I don't think I've read a better portrayal of a black woman by a white woman than I found in this fast-paced very clever novel. Dido is not the central character but she acts like it. I loved the idea of a cold-hearted good time girl who could sing hot-blooded songs. I loved her honesty and her strength in a time when "colored folk" could sing in the Cotton Club but they couldn't get in the front door. Blacks, whites, Asians, the Irish, the mob...the racial mix in this book is a wonder and I ate it up. Not sure what to say about this book except it is a fast moving good read that I really enjoyed (five stars!).It's set during an interesting period in San Francisco history, so you learn so history just by reading the story (but it's not a history book!).It's historical fiction, but that does not really matter. It's easy to get a feeling for the times and it does not seem like you've ended up in some foreign world.Full of drama, humor, pathos, and fascinating characters.I guess that is it. If you are looking for entertainment... read it.
What do You think about China Blues (1989)?
What a terrific book. Everything about it kept me reading long into the night.
—miah
What a great romp, funny and touching. Loved it.
—Bridebookworm
