First published 2000
In "Watching the Tree," Adeline Yen Mah invites readers into the quiet world of Naigu, a young woman haunted by her family's past. Seeking refuge from a tumultuous home life, Naigu finds solace in the verdant garden outside her window, where she spends hours observing the rhythms of a solitary tree. As she loses herself in the tree's tranquil presence, Naigu's memories of her childhood begin to surface, revealing a complex web of love, betrayal, and the weight of family obligations. Torn between her desire for independence and the pull of familial duty, Naigu must navigate the emotional minefield of her past to find the courage to shape her own future.
Genres: literary-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, slice-of-life
Setting: China
272 pages · Paperback · Broadway