A Fine Piece of Jade
28th April, 2025
Katy Phoon's debut novel is inspired by her mother's experience growing up with the French nuns in Wuhan, China, during the Japanese invasion and the rise of Communist China. The story follows Wāng Qí and Yuányuán, two girls sent from their privileged homes to a missionary school in Wuhan’s French Concession during World War II. Through war, revolution, and political oppression, the fiercely independent Wāng Qí and the ever-cheerful Yuányuán form a bond that grows as they face bullying, loss, and dangers that lie closer than they expect. The novel explores the struggles of women in a male-dominated society, contrasting those who conform with those who fight for change. It celebrates resilience, friendship, and faith in times of loss and betrayal, while weaving Chinese mythology into a vivid portrayal of Hankou under occupation.
Book sale proceeds will go to Caritas Internationalis
“I aspired to recount the extraordinary friendship between my mother and aunt, which began many years ago in China. I felt heartbroken for the families they had lost and a deep regret for never having met them. As I grew older and delved into historical novels with similar themes, my fascination and appreciation for their oral histories only deepened. Through these vivid episodes and reimagined scenes, I found inspiration to write A Fine Piece of Jade.”