Kelli Estes has written a memorable novel, The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, a testament of the endurance of the human spirit.
The story is inspired by true events and the tragic aftermath of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, an immigration law excluding people from the United States based on their Chinese race.
The story toggles between Washington Territory in 1886, and present day Orcas Island, largest of the San Juan Islands, located in northwestern Washington state.
Mei Lien, fifteen years old, together with her father and grandmother, are among the many Chinese living in Seattle who are forced to leave the United States. They’re herded onto a ship and told they are being deported to China. Mei Lien overhears a conversation between the ship’s owner and its captain that their “cargo” will not reach China. She tells her father what she heard and, before they reach the ocean, he makes her jump overboard in the hope that she can swim to land. Joseph, a kind, caring man living on Orcas Island rescues her.
In present day, Inara Erickson has just finished school with a degree in International Business and has recently inherited the family’s estate on Orcas Island. Inara’s dream is to renovate the estate into a boutique hotel. While staying at the house, she discovers a loosened stair tread and forces it open. She finds a silk sleeve, intricately embroidered with mysterious scenes and images.
Inara consults a University of Washington expert on China studies and together they unravel the mystery of the sleeve’s origin and the long-ago fate of the Chinese people aboard the ship.
I loved this elegant novel, not only because it takes place in my part of the country, but because of its historical interest. Kelli Estes has woven a spell-binding story about a brutal part of our history while recognizing the love and humanity that binds us all.
You could certainly see your skills in the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
At all times go after your heart.
Thank you!
A great summary of a good book.
Thank you, Hema. You’ve apparently read it, too. I loved this book. It was a book club selection, or I might not have known about it.
Intriguing summary of the story, I hope the book is on Kindle.
I’m sure it is, Irene. Thanks for your comment.
You’ve piqued my interest, Mary. I’m going to look for it on Amazon.
You’ll like it. It’s really interesting, too, since it’s local.
This sounds fascinating, Mary. Thank you for sharing your review.
It really is a good book, Ginger. It was a book club (through the library) selection.