The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

A Novel

By: Lisa See

Narrated by: Ruthie Ann Miles, Kimiko Glenn, Alex Allwine, Gabra Zackman, Jeremy Bobb, Joy Osmanski, Emily Walton, Erin Wilhelmi

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review), a moving novel about tradition, tea farming, and the bonds between mothers and daughters.

In their remote mountain village, Li-yan and her family align their lives around the seasons and the farming of tea. For the Akha people, ensconced in ritual and routine, life goes on as it has for generations—until a stranger appears at the village gate in a jeep, the first automobile any of the villagers has ever seen.

The stranger’s arrival marks the first entrance of the modern world in the lives of the Akha people. Slowly, Li-yan, one of the few educated girls on her mountain, begins to reject the customs that shaped her early life. When she has a baby out of wedlock—conceived with a man her parents consider a poor choice—she rejects the tradition that would compel her to give the child over to be killed, and instead leaves her, wrapped in a blanket with a tea cake tucked in its folds, near an orphanage in a nearby city.

As Li-yan comes into herself, leaving her insular village for an education, a business, and city life, her daughter, Haley, is raised in California by loving adoptive parents. Despite her privileged childhood, Haley wonders about her origins. Across the ocean Li-yan longs for her lost daughter. Over the course of years, each searches for meaning in the study of Pu’er, the tea that has shaped their family’s destiny for centuries.

A powerful story about circumstances, culture, and distance, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane paints an unforgettable portrait of a little known region and its people and celebrates the bond of family.

Informative, Interesting, Intriguing

I learned a lot about the history of tea and the customs of this remote village. I was surprised that some of the customs were being practiced as recently as they were. I loved the story and the main character, Li-Yan. She was intelligent, dutifully paid for the mistakes she made. She persevered, remained true to her heritage. Loved the ending. Satisfying and not drawn out.

Tea Girl

It was a slow start and I almost did not continue I'm glad I did and enjoyed the journey with Hill Tribes and fascinating story of tea. Having visited the areas included and meeting ethnic hill people gave the book more life.

Lisa See did it again!!!

Everything I've read from the author Lisa See has taken my breath away. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane is no exception. The intricate twists and turns of the plot are all woven together in a beautiful Asian tapestry.
See's novels are part cultural history and part human love story. She sparks my interest so much in the topical subjects that I typically begin in depth research and study to greedily gain more and more knowledge so I can feel closer to the characters that all Miss once the book is done.
The readers in this Audible selection were phenomenal. When I close my eyes I could actually see them. So very interesting to have different voices. Also such a relief to not hear a British accent. It seems as if every Audible I listen to lately is read by a British reader. Don't get me wrong the accent is lovely just sometimes uncalled for in American literature.
The Tea Girl's readers clearly have a deep understanding this novel. you can hear the drama, the sadness, the love, and the humor in their voices.
I've read Lisa sees novels in the paper and Kindle versions. You better believe I am now going to purchase the audible versions.

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

WOW! WOW! WOW !! THIS is truly one of the best books I've read, listened to, among the hundreds. What a moving, narrative that is both quite profound and compelling , instructional about the history of China, the hill people, and of their tea. There are story's within stories. To realize this history is encompassed in modern times makes it even more engrossing. The story of adoption was especially poignant to me. Although I am not chinese, I seem adopted, and Haley's thoughts spoke many of my own. I don't often take the time to actually write a review, on this one I felt compelled to do so! I believe this book will stand out in your memory as it will mine. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and be transported to another place in our time. Great author, and narrator. Once again, WOW!

Loved tea girl

This was a fabulous book, with many layers. It gave an interesting look into the world of tea growing, and a perspective on adoption. My only complaint is the ending seemed abrupt, while hinting at the future of the characters.