A Life in Words

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Translated from Chinese by Shelly Bryant

“For many years, I have made my living by the pen. In 2005, when my autobiography was published in Chinese, I gave it the title《文字就是生命》 or A Life in Words. These words encapsulate the beautiful connection between me and my lifelong devotion to the literary arts. Literature and I have transformed into a single entity, and I can feel Chinese characters bobbing along through my veins.”

Acclaimed author You Jin recounts her life as a daughter, writer and mother in this enlightening memoir. She traces the paths taken by her parents in Malaysia before moving the family to Singapore, and how her mother instilled in her a kind of reverence for books; before continuing her tale with anecdotes about working as a reporter and herself being a mother and trying to impart her life lessons to them. It's a mesmerising tale that will keep you turning the page.