Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snow Flower and the Secret Fan | 2005 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 2 | Peony in Love | 2007 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 3 | China Dolls | 2014 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 4 | The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane | 2017 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 5 | The Island of Sea Women | 2019 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 6 | Lady Tan’s Circle of Women | 2023 | Lisa See | Buy |
| 7 | Daughters of the Sun and Moon | 2026 | Lisa See | Buy |
Lisa See’s standalone novels span centuries of Asian history, each focused on the experiences of women. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2005) is set in 19th century rural China and explores the secret writing system nu shu, used by women to communicate with each other. Peony in Love (2007) tells the story of a 17th century Chinese woman who becomes a ghost. China Dolls (2014) follows three women performers in 1930s San Francisco.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane (2017) connects a tea-growing village in Yunnan Province to a Chinese American adoptee. The Island of Sea Women (2019) moves to the Korean island of Jeju, following female divers through decades of history. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (2023) is based on the real 15th century Chinese physician Tan Yunxian. Daughters of the Sun and Moon (2026) continues See’s focus on recovering overlooked women’s histories.