The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Li-Yan is a girl child born into an Akha family, one of China's ethnic minorities. They live on a remote, rural mountain and their lives are guided by strong traditions and superstitions. In the late 20th century, they know nothing of electricity or television or gas powered automobiles. Their lives are simple, uncomplicated.
The families make a meager living by harvesting tea leaves. When a stranger arrives one day in his car and enters through the spirit gate, the village is changed forever. He teaches them the value of different types of tea which brings wealth and prosperity to their lives. He also opens Li-Yan's eyes to the outside world. On the recommendation of her teacher, who convinces the tribe elders the Li-yan has promise, even though she is a girl, to go to the city to further her education.
Li-Yan, however has fallen in love with Sanpa, a boy whose stars do not align with hers. The marriage is forbidden but their love overrides whatever the horoscopes have predicted. That choice sends her life down a path that even the wisest sage of the village couldn't have predicted.
I am a huge Lisa See fan, having read almost all of her novels. I loved, loved, loved The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. In my opinion, this is her best novel yet. Included in a great story of Chinese tradition meets the whirlwind, you will learn all you never knew about tea. Trust me, you'll want to sit down with a nice hot cup and have a good conversation to go with it. I couldn't put this one down.
Li-Yan is a girl child born into an Akha family, one of China's ethnic minorities. They live on a remote, rural mountain and their lives are guided by strong traditions and superstitions. In the late 20th century, they know nothing of electricity or television or gas powered automobiles. Their lives are simple, uncomplicated.
The families make a meager living by harvesting tea leaves. When a stranger arrives one day in his car and enters through the spirit gate, the village is changed forever. He teaches them the value of different types of tea which brings wealth and prosperity to their lives. He also opens Li-Yan's eyes to the outside world. On the recommendation of her teacher, who convinces the tribe elders the Li-yan has promise, even though she is a girl, to go to the city to further her education.
Li-Yan, however has fallen in love with Sanpa, a boy whose stars do not align with hers. The marriage is forbidden but their love overrides whatever the horoscopes have predicted. That choice sends her life down a path that even the wisest sage of the village couldn't have predicted.
I am a huge Lisa See fan, having read almost all of her novels. I loved, loved, loved The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. In my opinion, this is her best novel yet. Included in a great story of Chinese tradition meets the whirlwind, you will learn all you never knew about tea. Trust me, you'll want to sit down with a nice hot cup and have a good conversation to go with it. I couldn't put this one down.
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