Lisa See
Lisa See is an American author known for her historical novels, which often explore the lives of Chinese and Chinese-American women. Some of her notable works include 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,' 'Shanghai Girls,' and 'The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.'
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Set in 19th century China, the novel centers around the lifelong friendship of Lily and Snow Flower. Despite their different social classes, the two communicate through a secret language known as "nu shu" written on a fan. The story explores the rigid societal norms of the time, particularly the practice of foot binding and arranged marriages. As they navigate through the hardships of their lives, their friendship is tested, leading to a devastating betrayal that impacts their relationship.
The 3214th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Lady Tan’s Circle Of Women
A Novel
Lady Tan's Circle of Women follows the life of Tan Yunxian, a woman born into an elite family in 15th-century China. Despite societal norms that deem educated women as worthless, Yunxian is raised by her grandparents to become useful. Her grandmother, one of the few female doctors, teaches her the principles of Chinese medicine, focusing on the Four Examinations: looking, listening, touching, and asking. Yunxian learns about women's health issues, particularly those related to childbirth, alongside her friend Meiling, a midwife-in-training. The two girls form a strong bond, sharing their dreams and challenges, even as they navigate the societal restrictions placed on them. However, Yunxian's life takes a turn when she enters an arranged marriage. Her new family imposes strict rules, forbidding her from practicing medicine or maintaining her friendship with Meiling. As Yunxian struggles with her new role, she must find ways to break free from these constraints and make a lasting impact. The story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, highlighting how Yunxian's contributions to medicine endure through the centuries.
The 14984th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Purchase from Amazon
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4. The Tea Girl Of Hummingbird Lane
Set against the backdrop of China's remote tea-growing region, this poignant novel explores the intricate bonds of family, tradition, and identity. It follows the journey of a young Akha girl, who is torn between her cultural heritage and the modern world. As she navigates the challenges of love, loss, and motherhood, her path intertwines with that of her daughter, adopted by an American family. Through their parallel stories, the narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, belonging, and the enduring connection between mothers and daughters, ultimately revealing how the past shapes one's future.
The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time