A Richmond reader was so enthused about a book she recently read, she bought another 20 copies and has given 10 to the Richmond Public Library.
Amy Sang told the Richmond News she fell “madly in love” with the book and feels its message is essential for all to hear.
Co-written by Guo Ding and Kenny Zhang, Canada’s Chinese Gene: A Sense of Belonging, Ownership and Contribution showcases the role the Chinese community has played in shaping the history of Canada over the past 150 years. It was initially released in 2017 in Chinese, the English version came out in June 2021.
“Mutual understanding could facilitate conversations between different groups and eventually build a better society,” Sang explained.
The book details how early Chinese immigrants were instrumental in building the Canadian Pacific Railroad which linked B.C. with the rest of the country -- all the while earning $1.75 to $2 a day.
It also notes the role of Chinese soldiers in the Canadian military.
“It wasn’t until I read this book that I realized many Chinese volunteered to fight for Canada in the Second World War with the slim hope that their service would be recognized one day, and their community could eventually demand their rights as Canadian citizens,” said Sang.
Meanwhile, Sang said, the Chinese Gene also sends a powerful message to Chinese immigrants that “we need to learn from our early settlers to contribute to the local community as nation builders.”
“We aren’t visitors or guests to this land. We need to continue to build the glory of this nation just like our ancestors,” said Sang.
