The Collected Writings of Sui Sin Far (2021) is a collection of fiction and nonfiction by Sui Sin Far. Inspired by her experience living among Chinese Americans in San Francisco and Seattle, Sui Sin Far was one of the first authors of Chinese descent to publish her writing in the United States. From her beloved recurring character Mrs. Spring Fragrance to such stories of prejudice and perseverance as A Chinese Ishmael and “In the Land of the Free,” Sui Sin Far captures the soul of a proud and vibrant people. In Mrs. Spring Fragrance, a Chinese immigrant living in Seattle is called upon by her neighbors for her expertise and empathy in matters of the heart. Characterized by her wisdom and cross-cultural knowledge, Mrs. Spring Fragrance is one of Sui Sin Far’s most beloved creations. “In the Land of the Free” is the story of a Chinese immigrant who is separated from her young son upon arrival due to insufficient paperwork. Exploring the struggles of this woman to reclaim her son, Sui Sin Far exposes the discrimination and hardships faced by Chinese Americans due to the Chinese Exclusion Act, illuminating the byzantine and restrictive immigration policies which continue under a different guise in modern America. In Leaves from the Mental Portfolio of an Eurasian, a memoir, the author reflects on her childhood in England and Canada, her first experiences living among other Chinese people, and her early work as a reporter focused on the Chinese immigrant community. Also included in this collection are A Chinese Ishmael, Chan Hen Yen, Chinese Student, A Love Story from the Rice Fields of China, The Bird of Love, and An Autumn Fan. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Collected Writings of Sui Sin Far is a classic of Chinese American literature reimagined for modern readers.
