In Little Paradise, author Gabrielle Wang has woven an entrancing tale
set during the Second World War – a tale inspired by a true story… that of her
own parents (Wang’s father was born in Shanghai and her mother is third
generation Chinese-Australian).
Set in Melbourne in 1943, the book’s
central character, 17-year-old Mirabel, is the Australian-born daughter
of a Chinese fruit merchant. She is
a creative young woman who whiles away the hours creating beautiful dress
designs.
Mirabel meets and falls madly in
love with a visiting Chinese soldier – JJ – and when their forbidden affair is discovered and the young soldier is
posted back to China, Mirabel travels to glamorous, politically corrupt
Shanghai to search for her love and their unknown future.
This is not just a love story –
it is a fascinating life story… and is not truth even more wonderful than
fiction? The book offers an engaging insight into not only Chinese culture, but
into the lives of Chinese-Australians during a turbulent time in history. Although
the book is aimed at teens, Little
Paradise would be of particular interest to adults with a passion for Chinese
history – and a passion for great storytelling.
With a beautifully-threaded plot
and characters that have clearly been infused with the author’s love, Little Paradise is an inspirational
story about love, hope and following your dreams.
Title: Little Paradise
Author: Gabrielle Wang
Publisher: Penguin, $19.95 RRP
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780143011477
Publication date: 1 March 2010
For ages: 13+
For ages: 13+
