Lisa See
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lisa See is a renowned American author known for her vivid storytelling and deep exploration of Chinese-American culture. Born as Lisa See, she does not commonly use any aliases in her professional work.
Birth and Death Dates
Lisa See was born on February 18, 1955. As of the latest information available, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lisa See is an American national. She is a prolific author and novelist, celebrated for her historical fiction that often delves into the intricacies of Chinese and Chinese-American experiences. In addition to her work as a novelist, she has also contributed as a journalist and a memoirist.
Early Life and Background
Lisa See was born in Paris, France, but she grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her family background is a rich tapestry of cultural influences, with her father being of Chinese descent and her mother of Caucasian heritage. This blend of cultures profoundly influenced her worldview and later became a central theme in her writing. Growing up, See was surrounded by the vibrant stories of her Chinese relatives, which sparked her interest in exploring her heritage through literature. Her upbringing in Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse cultural landscape, further enriched her understanding of the complexities of identity and belonging.
Major Accomplishments
Lisa See's literary career is marked by numerous accomplishments. She gained widespread recognition with her novel "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," which became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a feature film. Her ability to weave historical facts with compelling narratives has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. See's works have been translated into multiple languages, allowing her stories to reach a global audience. Her contributions to literature have been acknowledged with several awards, including the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California and the History Makers Award from the Chinese American Museum.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Lisa See's most notable works are "Shanghai Girls," "China Dolls," and "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane." Each of these novels showcases her talent for creating rich, immersive worlds that explore themes of family, friendship, and cultural identity. "Shanghai Girls" follows the journey of two sisters from Shanghai to Los Angeles, offering a poignant look at the immigrant experience. "China Dolls" delves into the lives of three Asian-American women in the entertainment industry during the 1930s and 1940s. "The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane" explores the bond between a mother and daughter separated by culture and geography. These works, among others, highlight See's dedication to bringing lesser-known aspects of Chinese and Chinese-American history to light.
Impact and Legacy
Lisa See's impact on literature and cultural understanding is significant. Through her novels, she has brought attention to the rich history and experiences of Chinese and Chinese-American communities. Her storytelling not only entertains but also educates readers about the complexities of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. See's work has inspired a greater appreciation for diverse narratives in literature, encouraging other writers to explore similar themes. Her legacy is one of bridging cultural gaps and fostering empathy through the power of storytelling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lisa See is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to capture the essence of human relationships and cultural identity with sensitivity and depth. Her quotes often reflect her insights into the human condition, the importance of understanding one's heritage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Readers and scholars alike turn to her words for inspiration and a deeper understanding of the themes she explores. See's work continues to resonate with audiences around the world, ensuring her place as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Quotes by Lisa See
Lisa See's insights on:
To see Sow Flower’s mother eat that meat was something I’ll never forget. She had been raised to be a fine lady and, as hungry as she was, she did not tear into the food as someone in my family might. She used her chopsticks to pull apart slivers of the pork and lift them delicately to her lips. Her restraint and control taught me a lesson I have not strayed from to this day. You may be desperate, but never let anyone see you as anything less that a cultivated woman.
You have special abilities,” she goes on. “I don’t mean you are a witch or a fox spirit. And you’ve never seemed drawn to the special gift of healing or magic. Rather, you are like A-ma Mata, who gave birth to the Akha people, who pushed against her restraints, who said, ‘No, I will not accept my bad fate,’ and who endured against all odds with her intelligence, compassion, and perseverance. All that comes from this grove. And the mother tree.” A-ma.
It’s said that great sorrow is no more than a reflection of one’s capacity for great joy. I see it from the opposite direction. I’m happy, but there’s an empty space inside me that will never stop suffering from the loss of Yan-yeh.
A woman isn’t just one thing. The past is in us, constantly changing us. Heartache and failure shift perspectives as do joy and triumphs.
I think to really be literate in nu shu you only need about 600 characters because it is phonetic. So you’re able to then create many words out of one character.
But then this is how it is for women everywhere. You experience one lapse in conscience, in how low you think you’ll go, in what you’ll accept, and pretty soon you’re at the bottom.
Every day Fu-shee, the smaller children, and I fan out in the hills around Green Dragon to strip trees of their bark and leaves, dig up roots and search for wild grass. We’ll eat anything, and we have. But you can’t eat a leather belt like it’s a crisp cucumber. You soak it, boil it, and chew on it for days.