Mariella
asked
Lisa See:
As a lifelong student of Eastern spirituality, I relished the accuracy of your character's personalities in relation to their Chinese zodiac signs.(I'm fire rabbit and a painter, so Z.G. is very close to my heart!) I'm wondering if you value Chinese astrology primarily as a literary tool or if you find the zodiac to reflect authentically in your own life and relationships? Do you identify with your native animal?
Lisa See
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to answer your question. I've been working on the new novel, and I haven't been checking e-mai and the like.
I'd have to answer yes to both both questions. I use the Chinese zodiac to build characters. The characteristics of the Chinese zodiac are so specific, which makes it very useful. But I also see so many things in my life that are very clear in relation to the Chinese zodiac. I'm a Sheep. My husband is a Dragon. My younger son is an Ox. And my older son is... Well, you get the picture. It seems to me that our personality quirks are very close to our signs.
I'd have to answer yes to both both questions. I use the Chinese zodiac to build characters. The characteristics of the Chinese zodiac are so specific, which makes it very useful. But I also see so many things in my life that are very clear in relation to the Chinese zodiac. I'm a Sheep. My husband is a Dragon. My younger son is an Ox. And my older son is... Well, you get the picture. It seems to me that our personality quirks are very close to our signs.
More Answered Questions
Angie
asked
Lisa See:
Hi Lisa - I loved both 'The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane' and 'The Island of Sea Women' and have 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' waiting patiently on my bookshelf. Do your books always finish the way you planned or expected, or do they change as you write? I'm also curious about authors that you have found inspiring or that you choose to read. Thank you :)
TanjanTarinat
asked
Lisa See:
Have you ever felt difficult finding your own identity in mixed environment (american vs. chinese)? I am half indian, half finnish and facing this kind of puzzle. I enjoy your books, especially Shangai Girls where chinese sisters moved to America and settled down there and less or more found their place there. And for last question, have you ever studied history in university or you study everything on your own?
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