Pang-Mei Natasha Chang

rabck from the convention; While the author, a Chinese-American, was studying Chinese history in college she noticed her family name & her great-aunt's name in some of the texts. When she interviewed her aunt, she found that she really was famous. The books spans Yu-i's life from birth in 1900 through 1931, during which quite a change occurred in China, embracing western ways while still continuing in some of the old ones too. She was the first modern divorcee in China, which was quite a scandal at the time. The book includes photos of the Chang family that the author obtained from Yu-i's family, as well as translations of her first husband's poems, which he was famous for.… (mehr)

A gorgeous and compelling memoir. Pang-Mei Natasha Chang tells the story of her great aunt, Chang Yu-i, and the story of early twentieth century China, including interesting information related to the customs, traditions and mores of the old Chinese culture. Yu-i was one of the first Chinese woman to go through a modern divorce. She was young, poorly educated, with two children, one of whom tragically died shortly after her divorce. Yu-i transforms from a poorly educated, highly dependent woman into a self-reliant, educated, and successful woman who eventually becomes the vice-president of the Shanghai Woman's Savings Bank and helps ensure its survival, when Japan invaded Shanghai. When her great niece finds her name in books while studying Far East Culture at Harvard University, she is intrigued by her family history and decides to interview her. This book is the product of those interviews, a poignant and bitter story and a fascinating family history.… (mehr)

This memoir deals with the life of a prominent Chinese woman who emigrated to the United States in the early 20th Century after having been the first woman to be subject to a "modern divorce." As told by her great niece, the story is that of an admirable individual, striving to bridge the immense changes taking place in her society and adapt herself in turbulent times. The author provides an interesting commentary that contrasts her own, still unsettling, experience as an American of Chinese descent.… (mehr)