Boyce
asked
Lisa See:
Dear Lisa See, I have enjoyed your books so much. They have educated me about history and also about another culture. I'm looking forward to reading your newest book. I'm curious, of all the characters you've created do you have a favorite? If yes, why?
Lisa See
First, let me say how sorry I am that it's taken me so long to write back. I guess I was sidetracked by life and a new book coming out.
There’s a character that has appeared in almost all my books. In Dreams of Joy, she was Madame Hu; in Shanghai Girls, she was Pearl’s mother-in-law; in Peony in Love, she was the grandmother; in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, she was the matchmaker; in my three mysteries, she was the Neighborhood Committee Director; and in On Gold Mountain, the book about my family, she was my actual grandmother. Writing about my grandmother, who’s been gone many years now, allows me to be with her every day.
There’s a character that has appeared in almost all my books. In Dreams of Joy, she was Madame Hu; in Shanghai Girls, she was Pearl’s mother-in-law; in Peony in Love, she was the grandmother; in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, she was the matchmaker; in my three mysteries, she was the Neighborhood Committee Director; and in On Gold Mountain, the book about my family, she was my actual grandmother. Writing about my grandmother, who’s been gone many years now, allows me to be with her every day.
More Answered Questions
Alia G
asked
Lisa See:
Hi Lisa See!! I'm just about to start Lady Tan's Circle of Women and am fascinated by how you were able to discover the protagonist's story! Is there a specific way that you like to find these characters? Or do you wait for the characters to become apparent to you through other works? Thank you so much!!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more