Lisa See’s ‘Daughters of the Sun and Moon’ Unveiled in Exclusive Cover Reveal
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Renowned author Lisa See is set to release her 13th novel, ‘Daughters of the Sun and Moon’, shedding light on the forgotten tragedy of the Chinese Massacre of 1871. The revealing of the book cover, exclusively by PEOPLE, offers a glimpse into this powerful narrative that is scheduled to hit the shelves in June 2026.
In the forthcoming novel, See delves into a chilling chapter of Los Angeles history that has been buried with time, bringing to life the grim events of the 1871 Chinese Massacre. Unravelling the tales of three Chinese women who managed to survive the brutal lynching of 18 Chinese individuals, the story encapsulates their struggles within an anti-Chinese society.
“I have long been inspired by history that has been lost, forgotten or deliberately covered up, and in doing the research for Daughters of the Sun and Moon, I found just that,” See expressed exclusively to PEOPLE. The cover, unveiled by Scribner, offers a visual gateway into the riveting narrative that promises to captivate readers with its historical depth and emotional resonance.
Set in 1870s Los Angeles, the novel follows the courageous journey of three Chinese women — Moon, Dove, and Petal — as they navigate a society rampant with discrimination and hostility towards the Chinese population. See sheds light on the harsh realities faced by these women, who were forced into a life of servitude and hardship, devoid of autonomy or choice.
Drawing from her own Chinese-American heritage, See’s personal connection to the story adds a layer of authenticity and poignancy to the narrative. Reflecting on her family’s history, See remarked, “My great-grandparents — a mixed-race couple when it was against the law for Chinese and whites to marry — moved to Los Angeles in 1897, because it was seen as being relatively ‘safe’.” This intimate link to the past fuels See’s passion for preserving and honouring the untold stories of resilience and struggle.
The forthcoming novel stands as a testament to See’s prolific storytelling prowess, which has been lauded in previous works such as ‘Lady Tan’s Circle of Women’ and ‘The Island of Sea Women’. Recognised for her literary contributions, See has received accolades like the Golden Spike Award and been honoured as the National Woman of the Year, cementing her status as a revered voice in the literary world.
‘Daughters of the Sun and Moon’ is slated for release on June 2, 2026, with pre-orders already available for eager readers. This upcoming novel promises to be a compelling exploration of history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who defy the odds. Stay tuned for this highly anticipated release that is poised to leave a lasting impact on readers around the world.
As the countdown begins for the release of ‘Daughters of the Sun and Moon’, readers and fans of historical fiction can prepare to embark on a transformative journey through a turbulent yet poignant era. With its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters, Lisa See’s latest offering is set to carve a place in the literary landscape as a poignant tribute to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.