|| 5 ⭐️ ||

Could this, my 100th book of the year, also be my favourite of the year? I think it might be!

I have been waiting for book like this one for so long. A book about Chinese tea and true tea culture. A book rich with history and tradition, in all of its glory and messiness, rather than just prim and proper tea parties in random countries where tea isn’t really grown. For the most part, the author stayed true to the facts of tea growing, picking and processing. And while I haven’t been to China and witnessed the culture of tea farmers first-hand, it also seemed very accurate—it was extremely immersive, anyway. That’s one of the reasons I’m growing to love Lisa See so much. She does her research right down to the most mundane of details, and then she plunges you into this world.

The story spans across several decades, which is excellent because we get to see the repercussions of decisions that are made in the lives of various characters, as well as the evolution of the group’s adherence to tradition even as modern technology starts to trickle in. But despite the long timeline represented in this story, it never feels like we’re missing out on knowing the characters deeply as they move through different phases of life. The plot progression is so graceful. 

It’s just so perfect! So so great. I’m so glad this book found me!

|| Content warnings ||

Unfortunately there were 2 sex scenes: one within the first 50 pages that was semi-detailed, and the other in the last chapter which was brief and not very explicit. The first one was the biggest downside to this book, but you won’t miss much if you skip over it when you get to it. Both scenes were pre-marital.

The other aspect of this book that some may be uncomfortable with is the animism/superstition/spirit worship/etc. It plays a very big role in the Akha culture. Many of the beliefs they hold to and the actions they take that they are convinced are required of them are often very upsetting and sad. This aspect of the book was quite educational and the full scope of the culture couldn’t have been explored without this piece, but it should be read with discernment.

Other content issues: abortion, child sacrifice, sexual references, God’s name misused a couple times, some swearing, racism, drug/alcohol use, racism, abandonment and adoption.