How does time and memory inspire us to examine neglected objects? Have you experienced newfound inspiration or ideas by the objects around your home?

Lisa was inspired to write this novel during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, walking past her bookshelf to find a text she had but hadn’t read in the decade that she owned it. How does time and memory inspire us to examine neglected objects? Have you experienced newfound inspiration or ideas by the objects around your home?

I did find this an interesting springboard to her writing the novel. I have seen unread books on my shelf and decided to finally read them. Similarly, I have picked up long neglected needlework projects and finally worked to finish them. It’s great to open your eyes and take a good look around every so often!

I have many unread books on my shelves. It is interesting that when I pick one up, the message seems to resonate when it might not have made an impact on me when I first bought it. There is a time and place for everything.

I don’t think any of Yuns objects were neglected. In fact, the shoes and the journals were prized. I think objects passed from generation to generation have much significance. I kept all the letters my dad wrote me while I was in college. I cherish them. I hear his voice when I read them. He also gave me the medal he wore throughout WW2. I made it into a ring. He told me it kept him safe. I think it keeps me safe too.

I appreciate that Lisa See was inspired to write when "discovering" an overlooked book in her home. Maybe the epidemic gave us all more time to look around us and to ponder why we keep certain objects over time. I recently was going through a closet looking to find items to donate and came across a beautiful Chinese blouse I had bought years ago in Chinatown, Chicago. It brought memories of teaching a cross-discipline unit with my dear colleagues. We took our 8th grade students on a field trip to Chinatown to supplement their learning experience. The blouse is also part of my learning experience now as I read Lady Tan.

I thought it was fascinating that Lisa See became inspired by something that was available to her for years before pulling out the book and using it as a muse. I tend to find a similar viewpoint to my TBR shelves. I walk past them and ignore certain books and then I am drawn to a book, and it is just the right book for the right time.