This book, first published in 1860, is Fanny Loviot's story of her experiences from leaving her native French home in Paris in May 1852 up until her return on 30 December 1854.

Mademoiselle Loviot's recollections read like a book of two halves. The first part features the young French lady, accompanied by her sister, sailing to America to earn their fortune. The reader learns about what San Francisco was like during the 1850s. Apart from a few momentary dangers, this part of Mademoiselle Loviot's life is relatively normal. All this changes in the second half of her time from Paris.

Leaving her sister, she joins another lady on a voyage to Hong Kong. This trip proves fruitless and Mademoiselle Loviot is forced to return to America without female companionship. An encounter with Chinese pirates alters everything.

In short, Mademoiselle Loviot's sets out to earn a great fortune yet instead suffers frightful misfortunes. It takes a lot of bravery, hope, and luck before she is able to return to her beloved homeland and recall her adventures six years later.

This was definitely worth reading. I've only awarded it three stars because the first half of the book didn't always hold my attention. Not much of great note happened, however, it presents a sense of normality, which contrasts well with the second half of the book when Mademoiselle Loviot can never be sure of her personal safety. ( )