Kwai-Yun Li is an amazing person who I had the pleasure of meeting recently. She is the author of The Palm Leaf Fan, a collection of short stories that has prompted many discussions in university classrooms. A Chinese Canadian who emigrated from India in 1972, she is a generous spirit brimming with enthusiasm about her work, and eager to share her knowledge about the writing world.
Ms. Li’s characters are based upon the Indian Chinese of Calcutta (now called Kolkata). Her stories bring to life a community that was once vibrant in that populous city. Most of these people are now living in other parts of the world, the largest number having settled in Canada. Ms. Li writes about growing up in Calcutta with simplicity that lends credibility to all the personalities. She has a gentle and persuasive style as she weaves her characters into arranged marriages, the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict and subsequent internment of Chinese residents, and the Indian caste system.
I feel very fortunate to have made the acquaintance of this graceful person. If you’re looking for something different and uncomplicated to read this summer, try The Palm Leaf Fan.
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Labels: Books