The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
Genre: Historical/Cultural Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: Li-Yan is a member of the Akha people, an ethnic minority in the remote hills of China. The Akha are known for cultivating tea, a practice that has been passed down for generations. Li-Yan plans to follow in the footsteps of her mother and become a midwife, but when she meets and falls in love with another Akha boy, Li-Yan’s plans are forever changed.
My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Lisa See. I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by the same author several years ago and learned so much about the Chinese practice of foot-binding. See has again done quite a bit of research for The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. The details about the Akha culture and the art of cultivating tea are fascinating. This novel is full of emotion as the author explores the relationships between mother and daughter, the pain of loss, and the joy of finding yourself. I highly recommend this novel if you are interested in Asian culture and identity.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Heartbreaking, emotional, engaging
Give This a Try if You Like… Other books by Lisa See, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Leavers
Rating: 3/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!