Culture, History, Religious Faith, Politics, not to forget Love and Sex, and their impact particularly on women’s lives, are themes of many of the books our WBFN book clubs most enjoy discussing.

Veronica Li, a Chinese-born former World Bank staff member and journalist, has written a gripping memoir about her mother, Journey Across the Four Seas, that includes all of the above elements, and she was guest of honor when the English and African Literature Groups joined forces to welcome the summer with a magnificent Potluck luncheon.

Veronica’s strikingly beautiful and intelligent mother, Flora, was born in 1918 in Hong Kong, but a few years after the disabling practice of binding girls’ feet was banned. She endured the epic cultural and political upheavals, and cruel warfare that afflicted the region, eventually immigrating to the US in 1967 to ensure her children’s education.

Our readers were fascinated to hear that Veronica’s memoir was conceived as a chronicle intended only for the family. But once her remarkable mother’s story of ambition, adversity, and repeated flight and relocation had been captured in her own distinct “voice”, its universal appeal became obvious, and a publisher readily found. Indeed, our diverse membership could identify and empathize with so many aspects of Flora Li’s experience, not least the necessity of adapting to change, that lively discussions stimulated by the book continued through the afternoon.

The Potluck was also highlighted by a generous contribution by Mr A Sharma to our memorial donation to the Fistula Foundation, in memory of Dr Anasuya Sharma, a longtime member of both book clubs.

The large turnout made the most of the good weather by eating al fresco in hostess Vim Maguire’s delightful garden.

The Literature Groups are always open and welcoming to new participants. Interested in coming along to find out why we are so passionate about our book clubs? Please contact a co-ordinator for more information. Details in Mosaic.

Journey Across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman’s Search for Home, by Veronica Li, is available on-line from http://veronicali.com/, the WBG’s Infoshop, and other outlets.

Myra Jacobs & Zane Stuggins
English Literature Group Co-ordinators