The Moon Goddess’s Smile
Since 2018, the United States has been embroiled in a trade war with China. China tariffs, China threat, a rising China... Every day, politicians fling at us these hailstone-sized buzzwords. As a result, many people are drowning in a subconscious deluge of fear and anxiety about China.
Undoubtedly, there will be casualties, even in a bloodless trade war. Sun Tzu stated in The Art of War, “If you know your opponent and know yourself, you need not fear a hundred battles.” So, here’s a fair question to ask: My fellow Americans, do you understand the real China and Chinese people?
Today, if you search Amazon bestsellers about Chinese people, you will notice an interesting trend: three of the top ten novels were written in the 1930s. That’s right, in 1937, by Pearl Buck, an American who lived in China in the early part of the 20th century. A few novels were meticulously researched and beautifully written by Lisa See, a Chinese American whose great-grandfather immigrated from China to California over a century ago. The rest are about ancient Chinese from the 16th to 18th centuries.
I hope you see my point now: If knowledge is power, then outdated, second-hand knowledge can be dangerous, in war or peace.
Now, here comes “a timely read.” The Moon Goddess’s Smile is a sweeping, atmospheric book that opens a unique window for Americans to glimpse the mysterious Chinese psyche. This acclaimed book was written by me, an immigrant who has struggled in two clashing cultures in the past three decades.
You may ask, why should it be YOU who writes an epic book about contemporary China? True, there are hundreds of talented Chinese writers living inside China. But, sadly, none of them can write freely and honestly without ending up in jail.
So, even though English is my second language and I don’t have an MFA degree in Creative writing, I took up this daunting project. Growing up in China, my extended family had enchanted me with a gold mine of fantastic stories. I also witnessed many of the historical events that have shaped modern China. Like the protagonist in my novel, I came to New York City as a graduate student. A biomedical research career and podiatry practice later, I followed my heart and pursued my dream: to become a storyteller. After honing my writing skills at Boston’s Grubstreet, I labored for over five years on this novel, which is loosely based on my family history and my own experience navigating two continents.
Dear readers, I invite you to dive into this immersive story and swim among some colorful, complex Chinese characters. Once you cross into the twenty-first century with the Hong family, you will gain a deep understanding of modern-day China.
Happy reading!
