An Evening with Lisa See

A literary evening with bestselling author Lisa See explores themes of migration, resilience and identity through her latest historical novel at Books & Books in Coral Gables. Taking place Sunday, June 21, the event marks the release of Daughters of the Sun and Moon, with See discussing the book’s inspiration, characters and historical context.

Set in 1870s Los Angeles, the novel follows three Chinese women—Dove, Petal and Moon—whose lives intersect amid hardship, discrimination and shifting social conditions. Each arrives with different circumstances and aspirations, from arranged marriage to forced migration, and together they navigate a society marked by anti-Chinese sentiment, culminating in a period of violence known as the “Night of Horrors.” The story centers on their evolving friendship and the ways they seek autonomy and belonging.

Lisa See is the author of several New York Times bestselling novels, including The Island of Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Her work often focuses on the experiences of Chinese and Chinese American women, blending historical research with character-driven narratives.