set in nineteenth century China. In her introduction to the novel, See writes that Lily, the narrator, was born in 1823 — "the third year of Emperor Daoguang's reign". The novel begins in 1903, when Lily is 80 years old. During her lifetime, Lily lives through the reigns of four emperors: Emperor Daoguang (1820–1850); Emperor Xianfeng (1850–1861); Emperor Tongzhi (1861–1875); and Emperor Guangxu (1875–1908).
The novel received an honorable mention from the Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
.
In rural Hunan
province, Lily and her friend Snow Flower are a laotong
pair (or sworn sisters), related more closely than husband and wife.
I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven't slept all night, I'm starved, AND I'm armed! Don't MESS with me!
Look, she's gonna cry again. [imitating winner] 'Oh, if I only had a brain."'
Hey! I'm GLIDING here!
Dalai Llama, Dalai Llama, Dalai Llama...snorts
[as a guard dog barks at her' Oh, fine, have it you little...donut Nazi! [pulls a donut out from her bra and throws it at the dog.]
I'm sarcastic?! When everything that comes out of YOUR mouth is dripping with disdain?
:[After throughout the whole movie mocking people about ALWAYS wanting world peace]':[tearing up]'And I really do want world peace.
I'm sorry, what was the question? I was distracted by the half-masticated cow rolling around in your wide-open trap.
There are no words.
Smilers wear a crown, losers wear a frown.