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May Q. Wong offers free reading Feb. 19 in Ladysmith

Wong will read from her book A Cowherd in Paradise: From China to Canada Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Ladysmith Library.

Author May Q. Wong is bringing her first book to Ladysmith next week.

Wong will be reading from her book A Cowherd in Paradise: From China to Canada Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Ladysmith Library.

This true story focuses on the lives of Wong Guey Dang (1902-1983) and Jiang Tew Thloo (1911-2002), a married couple who are forced to live apart for 25 years because of Canada’s immigration laws. They were separated not only by continents and culture, but also by geo-political and social conflicts.

Their story is set against the backdrop of some of the most significant events in the world: the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty, the Great Depression, the Chinese Communist Revolution, the Cultural Revolution, and Canada’s Centennial. Set against the backdrop of China’s turbulent march towards becoming an economic leader, comes a moving tale of one couple’s search for love, family and forgiveness.

Wong was born to Chinese immigrants and raised in the diversity of Montreal’s “Main.” She was educated at McGill University and the University of Victoria, and she spent her career in the British Columbia Public Service working toward improving the lives of those in need.

Since retiring in 2004, May has devoted her time to travelling with her husband and writing about the people they have met and the places they have been. A Cowherd in Paradise: From China to Canada is Wong’s first book.

Jan Wong, the author of Red China Blues, calls A Cowherd in Paradise “required reading for anyone who cares about citizenship and human rights.”

The reading is a free event at the Ladysmith Library at 740 First Ave. It will take place Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, call the library at 250-245-2322.





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