C. Y. Lee (1915–2018)

When I saw The movie made from this book also called The Flower Drum Song when I was young I enjoyed it very much. The book as is usually the case bears somewhat of a resemblance but has it's very own charms.The story is told through the eyes of Old Master Wang who is an immigrant from China now living in Chinatown, San Francisco. He and his wife left in the forties or fifties when China was becoming communistic.

Old Master Wang has two sons, one in his twenties Wang Ta and one just fourteen show more Wang San. His wife has died some years past and he despairs of raising two sons with the Chinese characteristics of filial piety and following the teachings of Confucius. His sons of course have become Americanized and want to do things a different ways.

The story is told in a light humorous fashion that show the collision of cultural values that brings out the best in both worlds. show less

The second son of heaven is a broadly true story set against the splendour and upheaval of 19th century China under the rule of the Manchu Dynasty. This was a turbulent, bloody and important time in China's history, where east and west clashed, and China's direction was forever changed. Review by Megan Wallens, September, 2018, - full review in book.