Lily

Lily is one of the novel’s three protagonists, representing the intersection of cultural identity, familial expectations, and the ethical dilemmas of modern science. As the daughter of Mae and the mother of Nick, Lily is caught between the traditions of her Chinese heritage and the American lifestyle in which she was raised, creating a deep sense of disconnection and alienation.

Lily’s character is shaped by her struggle to navigate her dual identity as both Chinese and American. Growing up in the United States, she feels distanced from her cultural roots, a disconnection exacerbated by her parents' decision to assimilate and change their names to more Western-sounding ones. This cultural assimilation symbolizes a broader abandonment of heritage, leaving Lily with a fragmented sense of self. Her trips to China only heighten this feeling of being an outsider, as she is perceived as American by people in China...