Lillian Li's debut novel, 'Number One Chinese Restaurant,' explores the lives of the multigenerational staff working at the Beijing Duck House in Rockville, Maryland. This establishment has served loyal customers for decades, but beneath the surface of professional service lie complex relationships, simmering tensions, and personal histories shaped by years in the restaurant industry.

Why You Should Read?

• Delves into the daily routines and personal dramas of restaurant workers.
• Offers a nuanced portrayal of the service industry and its human cost.
• Features a diverse cast of interconnected characters with rich backstories.
• Examines themes of family, work, aspiration, and disappointment.