The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, emotional abuse, and physical abuse.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. See has written multiple historical fiction novels set in China or involving characters in the Chinese diaspora, like Shanghai Girls, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. How do the characters, plot, and themes of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane compare with See’s other novels? If this is your first experience with the author, what other writers or works would you compare this novel to?

2. Were you familiar with the Akha people or with rural Chinese settings and cultures before this? If so, how did this prime your reading experience? If not, what did you learn by reading this novel? Were any of your assumptions challenged?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Li-yan makes sacrifices for what she hopes will be the greater good. For instance, she gives up her child and later leaves her first husband San-pa when she fears he may become violent.