The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

A must read for historical fiction enthusiasts. This amazing story showcases the harshness and the opposing joy and happiness of tradition. When I read about cruel senseless, customs such as those depicted in this story, I can't wrap my head around the fact that that these traditions actually existed and were strictly followed, and may in fact still exist somewhere in the world.

The story follows Li-yan, a member of The Ahka, an ethnic minority group in the mountains of China. Since this region is famous for its ancient tea trees, teas lovers and non tea lovers alike will love reading about the history and growing of tea; it fast become obvious that much research was done on this subject, as well as the traditions and superstitions of The Ahka. But in the end the book is about family and the struggle to abandon ugly traditions, moving forward into the modern world and self discovery.

.