Why a Booktrail?
WW2: An unlikely love story between a Chinese herbalist and a Jewish refugee in Shanghai during World War II
Shanghai Love
What you need to know before your trail
Shanghai Love is a gripping novel about the unlikely love story that develops between a Chinese herbalist and a Jewish refugee in Shanghai during World War II. Peilin is betrothed to Kwan Yao, the only son of a wealthy pearl farmer. However, months before their wedding, Yao is killed by the Japanese in the Nanjing Massacre. The Kwans insist on proceeding with the wedding and beautiful Peilin is married to a ghost husband. When an uncle passes away, Peilin is sent to Shanghai to manage the Kwan family herbal shop.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, Henri graduates from medical school just as Hitler rises to power and unleashes prejudice and violence against the Jewish population. He flees to Shanghai where he’s befriended by Ping, a young disfigured rickshaw driver. Ping introduces Henri to his sister Peilin. Through her kindness, Henri becomes fascinated with Chinese herbs as well as the exotic culture surrounding him. Shanghai Love is a classic story of love’s triumph over adversity.
Travel Guide
Shanghai
This is an historical look at a unique perspective of World War II. Not many people seem to know that many Jewish refugees were sent to China.
Many were sent to Shanghai as in this book. The Chinese culture and women’s social status are also explored since this is the time period when family duties were paramount.
Another area explored is that of Chinese medicine
Historical events form the backdrop to the story – Nazi Germany and the Nanking Massacre to name but two major examples.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Shanghai Love
Destination: Shanghai Author/Guide: Layne Wong Departure Time: WW2
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