How One Family¡¯s Values Live On in¡°Lychee Fragrance¡±
rating: 4
The book ¡°Lychee Fragrance¡±, like the tea of its namesake, is definitely well worth imbibing. Translated into English (from the original Chinese) by the author¡¯s two sons, the writings of Chen Qing Shan (1894-1960) covered a period some 40 years from the 1920s to 1960. In the first half of the book comprising prose and short stories, it opens a window for us to peer into the everyday lives of the Chinese immigrants to Nanyang (Southeast Asia), in the period pre- and post-World War II. In the words of the Preface by the Chairman of the National Arts Council Singapore, Chen Qing Shan¡¯s ¡°literary work takes the readers through war, poverty, unswerving love and nostalgia for the then northern homeland.¡± The second half of the book comprises letters written from home to his son then studying abroad, classical poems celebrating family events and the first convocation of Nanyang University. The last section is a political satire written with an entertaining touch of humour. It is in a form known as ¡°lyric-poem play¡± for which Qing Shan is regarded as a pioneer. It is the six ¡°Letters from Home¡± that imprint the deepest impression on me. From these few letters, we can see how much importance Chen Qing Shan placed on the teaching of family values in the home, how much concern he showed for his son as he taught him the Chinese language and interpersonal relationship. The letters are also filled with a parent¡¯s care and worry whether the son is adequately clothed and eating the proper food, all of which speak clearly of how great a parent¡¯s love is, moving the reader to the point of tears. Although some of the things said in the letters may appear ¡°old fashioned¡± to some, but the family values and the norms of good interpersonal relations are still very much practised today and the love and care between parents and children is universal. The values and norms are evergreen and should always be nurtured. Parents today should know however that there is still much that cannot be taught in school and has to be taught at home. There is something for everyone in this book, with the English translation and the original Chinese text placed side by side. Readers who have a strong foundation in English and wish to improve their Chinese, could first read the English to achieve a greater understanding of the Chinese text. Readers who are good in Chinese but wish to improve their English, will find examples of good Chinese writing and at the same time see how the same ideas are expressed in English. For the non-ethnic Chinese reader, ¡°Lychee Fragrance¡± will open up a window for them to peer into the philosophy, family values and culture of the Chinese community. For students, teachers and parents, ¡°Lychee Fragrance¡± is well worth reading or at least a browse.
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