Book review: Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See
Genre: Historical fiction
Release date: June 9, 2026
Goodreads rating: 4.43
My rating: 4.5
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If, like me, you enjoy historical fiction that introduces you to new corners of history, Daughters of the Sun and Moon is a book you’ll love. I was completely drawn into the lives of Dove, Moon, and Petal.
The story is set in Los Angeles in 1870–71, when the city was home to only 34 Chinese women. The story follows three women whose journeys from China to Gold Mountain (America) is quite different but yet intertwine: one is a doctor's wife who is allowed an unusual degree of independence; one is a traditionally raised bound-foot wife displayed as a status symbol; and one is sold into slavery. Through their individual experiences, we learn about the limited choices available to Chinese women of the era, and see their resilience.
Lisa See is one of my automatic-read authors. I love how immersive her writing is and how vivid and realistic her characters feel. I find that I often forget I'm reading fiction. She also always introduces me to lesser-known history. In this book, I was immersed in the anti-Chinese tensions in Los Angeles in 1870-71 and the devastating events of the 1871 Chinese Massacre, known in the novel as the Night of Horrors.
The historical detail is exceptional. Inspired by real people and events (listed in the notes at the end of the book), See includes newspaper excerpts and photographs that really display the accuracy of the details in her story.
In my opinion, Lisa See has a remarkable ability to make history feel deeply personal.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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