Bestselling author Lisa See appeared before a capacity audience at the year's second Literary Luncheon at the Friends of the USC Libraries Lecture Hall in Doheny Library. See shared the family stories and historical research that inspired her latest novel, Shanghai Girls. She led the audience through a far-ranging discussion about everything from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, "paper sons," and the Angel Island immigration station to advice for young writers and the story of her great-grandfather's epic journey from China to find his fortune in America.
Next week, we'll post a slideshow and video clips from the event.
See with Dean Catherine Quinlan, journalist Frank Brown, and Friends of the USC Libraries board member Daryle Ann Giardino, who sponsored the Oct. 22 Literary Luncheon
Lisa See reflected on how Shanghai Girls drew inspiration from both history and her observations about the complex ties between sisters.
Head of USC Libraries' special collections Melinda Hayes explains the histories of items on display outside the lecture hall. The libraries presented an exhibition of materials related to the history of the settings for See's most recent novel: 1930s Shanghai and L.A.'s Chinatown during the early 20th century.