Mariella

Mariella asked Lisa See:

One of the many elements I enjoyed in China Dolls, an element that made this novel stand out from your previous works, was the great emotional depth of your male characters (particularly Eddie.) Why do you think this story lent to a deeper exploration of your heroines' male counterparts? Thanks for being a magnificent woman!

Lisa See I'm flattered you think I'm a magnificent woman! Thank you! But to answer your question, I have to be true to the time period in which China Dolls takes place, right? In the 1930s and 1940s, men were very much in control. In China Dolls, the character of Joe is central to the love triangle, Charlie Low runs the Forbidden City nightclub and hires the girls, Eddie is a male dancer who has a secret. I couldn’t have written China Dolls without them. All that said, I actually think men are extraordinarily important in all of my stories. They often set the plot into action as men so often do in real life. But instead of my novels revolving around them, as stories usually do, I want to tell the stories of those who are often ignored as “unimportant.” They are important to me as a woman, wife, mother, and now grandmother.

More Answered Questions

Barbara Franklin

Barbara Franklin asked Lisa See:

Dear Lisa See, I studied Chinese history in college and I love how your books bring to life what I learned so many years ago. Your characters are so rich and nuanced - like like we are. How much research does it take to set the mood and the scene of your books? P.S. I learned so many things from your books that I never learned in either High School or University, so thank your that! Barbara Franklin

Emilija

Emilija asked Lisa See:

Hi Lisa, I have read your two latest novels and I am fascinated by your writing and efforts put into the books. I am wondering if we, your fans, can expect another novel in the near future? Are you working on something right now, and if you are, could you give a little spoiler about what we are to expect? Thank you very much, your books opened my eyes to parts of the world I never knew existed.

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Lisa See:

Was super excited to see that we can ask you questions here! I've read all of your historical fiction books and am obsessed with every one. I've yet to find an author that can quite measure up. My absolute favorites are the ones based in old China, like Peony in Love. You mentioned to another reader you don't currently have plans to write for a similar time period, but do you have any recommendations?

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