72 pages 2 hours read

Lisa See

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See follows Li-yan, a young girl from a remote Akha village in China, whose life transforms dramatically as she navigates cultural traditions, unexpected pregnancies, adoption, and her ambition for education and success in the tea business. The novel deeply explores themes of identity, mother-daughter bonds, and cultural evolution. Sensitive topics include cultural taboos and intense emotions surrounding adoption.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See is widely praised for its rich cultural detail and emotional depth, providing an insightful look into Chinese ethnic minorities and adoption. The narrative, however, can be predictable, and some readers found it overly sentimental. Despite minor flaws, its compelling characters and heartfelt story resonate with many.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane?

Readers who enjoyed Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club or Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere will be captivated by Lisa See's The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. Ideal for those who appreciate rich family sagas, cultural exploration, and emotional journeys spanning generations.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Relationships: Daughters & Sons