Author
Lisa See
Birth Date
February 18, 1955
(71 Years)
Associated Country
United States
Lisa See is an American novelist and memoirist known for her historical fiction exploring Chinese history, Chinese American experiences, family relationships, and the lives of women across cultures and generations. Raised in Los Angeles, she drew inspiration from her own family heritage and developed a strong interest in the connections between personal stories and larger historical events. Her work is recognized for its extensive research, vivid settings, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
See's novels often examine themes of identity, friendship, migration, tradition, and resilience. Many of her stories focus on women whose lives unfold against the backdrop of significant social and political change, bringing overlooked histories and cultural experiences to a broad readership. Her writing is noted for its ability to combine historical detail with compelling character-driven narratives.
In addition to her fiction, See has written memoir and nonfiction works exploring family history and cultural heritage. Her books have become international bestsellers and have been translated into numerous languages, earning her a reputation as one of the leading contemporary writers of historical fiction. Through her work, she has helped introduce readers to diverse stories and perspectives drawn from both Chinese and Chinese American history.
See's novels often examine themes of identity, friendship, migration, tradition, and resilience. Many of her stories focus on women whose lives unfold against the backdrop of significant social and political change, bringing overlooked histories and cultural experiences to a broad readership. Her writing is noted for its ability to combine historical detail with compelling character-driven narratives.
In addition to her fiction, See has written memoir and nonfiction works exploring family history and cultural heritage. Her books have become international bestsellers and have been translated into numerous languages, earning her a reputation as one of the leading contemporary writers of historical fiction. Through her work, she has helped introduce readers to diverse stories and perspectives drawn from both Chinese and Chinese American history.
Books
According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be...
Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends that come from very different backgrounds. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their...
Li-yan and her family align their lives around the seasons and the farming of tea. There is ritual and routine, and it has been ever thus for generations. Then one day a jeep appears at the village...
China Dolls 2014
San Francisco, 1938: A world’s fair is preparing to open on Treasure Island, a war is brewing overseas, and the city is alive with possibilities. Talented Grace, traditional Helen, and defiant Ruby,...
On Gold Mountain 2012
In 1867, Lisa See's great-great-grandfather arrived in America, where he prescribed herbal remedies to immigrant laborers who were treated little better than slaves. His son Fong See later built a...
Dreams of Joy 2011
Shanghai Girls, Book 2
In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and, most recently, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the potent bonds of mother love,...
Shanghai Girls 2010
Shanghai Girls, Book 1
In 1937, Shanghai is the Paris of Asia, a city of great wealth and glamour, the home of millionaires and beggars, gangsters and gamblers, patriots and revolutionaries, artists and warlords. Thanks to...
Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for...