Amanda

Amanda asked Lisa See:

I'm reading Lady Tan, and I'd assumed the characters were using Mandarin. The main character indicates that she uses "he" to refer to a baby in the womb and this subtlety wasn't lost on her listner. However, in spoken Mandarin there is no difference in "he" and "she"; they are both "ta." The difference is only in the written character. I'm curious: is this is an oversight/mistake? And if not, how did she say "he"?

Lisa See Such as astute question, but I think you've answered it yourself. In conversation the word would be "ta," as you point out. That's what I was thinking when I wrote that scene. However, you're right in the sense that this distinction isn't conveyed in English in the text. While I didn't explain this in this book, I know that I have in a couple of my other novels. Sometimes I don't want to slow the reader down with too much detail. Interestingly, in the novel I'm writing now, just yesterday I had a scene in which I was comparing written characters about men and women. Wife -- woman with a broom, and so on.

More Answered Questions

Mani

Mani asked Lisa See:

I've just read about your new project and I can´t wait, Your books bring such an insight on a culture that "westeners" may never fully and trully understand, I´m always learning lots of new things by reading your novels! thankyou so much for portraying China like that. So the question is: How long does it usually take you to finish a book, from start ( when you come up with the idea) until you see it published?

Connie Wisniewski

Connie Wisniewski asked Lisa See:

I have read everyone of your books. They are wonderful. I watch and wait for a new one, and recommend them to all my friends. You are a real treasure to readers out there. Thank you. Where do you come up with the themes?

Rosalinda

Rosalinda asked Lisa See:

Dear Lisa, First, I am new to reading your books and so far I am really enjoying China Dolls. Also, I understand you will be the keynote speaker at the Novel Writing Conference this year. Will you also have a book signing? Since this year will be the first time I attend a writing conference, I am not 100% sure how everything works. Thanks.

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