Book Nook: From Manchurian Princess to the American Dream - An Anecdotal Memoir of Two Immigrant Lives

Many families are ripped away from their homes and find themselves beginning a new life in a foreign country where they must learn a new language and eventually lose all that they left behind. Author Dr. Anna Chao Pai has published her new memoir that highlights the hardships of immigration and how it affected her family. In “From Manchurian Princess to the American Dream: An Anecdotal Memoir of Two Immigrant Lives” the author illustrates that while most immigrants come to the United States for a better life, her parents came seeking safety.

Pai shares throughout her memoir, how she moved almost once a year, experienced discrimination against Asians during World War II, and attended twelve different schools all before starting college. However, she never allowed these challenging times to come in between her studies and work ethic. Even though Pai was able to achieve the American dream, her mother had a traumatic and life altering experience. Her mother was never able to learn her new country’s language and never adapted to her new life in America. Not only will readers experience Pai’s and her mother’s immigration stories, but they will also get a glimpse into modern Chinese history and culture which is illustrated through their family’s past and all the achievements they were known for.

I had a chance to interview the author to learn more.

Why did you decide to share your story?

I decided to share my story to offer a look at modern Chinese history and culture. “From Manchurian Princess to the American Dream,” provides insight into the impact of immigration on families who had to leave their homes to find new beginnings in a foreign land. It was important for me to share since I was the only one left in my family to pass down our story to future generations. This book is a testament to my parents and all of my family.

What is important for people to understand about people who emigrate due to safety?

It is important to understand that emigrating is not always a voluntarily thing to do. There are certain events and circumstances that happen that force people to look for a new and safe life like my parents did. We immigrated to the United States to seek safety from the Japanese. My parents left a life of luxury and power to become American citizens. They were forced to make this decision in order to keep us safe.

What are some ways people can make immigrants in their community feel more welcome? 

It is important for people to understand how hard immigrating to a new foreign country can be. To welcome families and individuals with open arms like you would with any new neighbor makes the process a bit easier.