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A review by lillimoore
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
4.0
Lisa See always delivers, but this has to be my favorite book of hers that I've read yet. She is such a master of telling these stories of strong women in Eastern settings, and of choosing captivating topics and settings, with an infusion of historical context and an up-close perspective many of us Westerners have maybe never even heard of or considered. I, for one, knew next to nothing about rural communities or ethnicities beyond what I have already learned as a fan of Lisa See's writing and authors with similar focuses--much less anything about pu'er and the tea industry in China! I always appreciate the balance she strikes in her novels between fascinating new knowledge and engrossing narrative.
Growing up, one of my close friends was a girl adopted from China. I remember in grade school her parents coming and giving a talk to us all about the process they went through adopting her. I would love to get in touch with her after having read this book and ask her more about her experience as an adoptee from China. I loved reading Haley's perspective and seeing her voice develop and grow as the novel progressed. I loved the connection she shared with Li-yan, across oceans, time, and cultures, and although I have seen other reviewers criticize the ending as abrupt, I really thought it was lovely and perfect. I, too, would love to see a sequel to this novel, but am also so content with the beautiful package this already was. Li-yan, to me, was one of See's stand-out protagonists. I just loved her and her distinct, intelligent personality. All of the characters really impressed me in this book. I found them to be more complex and interconnected than some of her previous casts. This book was a true joy, as with all of Lisa's fabulous work!
Growing up, one of my close friends was a girl adopted from China. I remember in grade school her parents coming and giving a talk to us all about the process they went through adopting her. I would love to get in touch with her after having read this book and ask her more about her experience as an adoptee from China. I loved reading Haley's perspective and seeing her voice develop and grow as the novel progressed. I loved the connection she shared with Li-yan, across oceans, time, and cultures, and although I have seen other reviewers criticize the ending as abrupt, I really thought it was lovely and perfect. I, too, would love to see a sequel to this novel, but am also so content with the beautiful package this already was. Li-yan, to me, was one of See's stand-out protagonists. I just loved her and her distinct, intelligent personality. All of the characters really impressed me in this book. I found them to be more complex and interconnected than some of her previous casts. This book was a true joy, as with all of Lisa's fabulous work!