New York Times best-selling author Lisa See is Chinese American—although her tawny hair, freckles and pale skin belie her Asian heritage. Starting 30 years ago with family memoir, On Gold Mountain, her books always are drawn from and reflect her cultural roots.
She talks with us about some of her favorites: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (secret writing developed by women best-friends in 19th century China), The Island of Sea Women (a community of women—some as old as 80—who free-dive for abalone on the remote Korean island of Jeju) and Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (based on a true story of a woman physician in 15th century China). As always, Lisa’s historically accurate novels are about women’s friendships…about blame, guilt, and forgiveness and how secrets from the past can powerfully impact the present and future.
She gives us a sneak peek at her new novel, coming out on June 2, 2026. So excited.
Lisa is an in-demand speaker who makes herself available to talk (via zoom) with book clubs and library groups. lisasee.com
Follow her on Instagram lisasee_writer
