The History of Literature 667 Sui Sin Far (with Victoria Namkung) | My Last Book with Samantha Rose Hill
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Jan 6, 2025 Victoria Namkung, a Los Angeles-based author known for her novels like "The Things We Tell Ourselves," dives into the life of Sui Sin Far, a pioneering Chinese American writer. They discuss Sui Sin Far's unique background and how her upbringing shaped her insightful and humorous portrayals of Chinese Americans. Topics include her advocacy for women's rights, her experiences with racism, and the enduring significance of her work in addressing societal injustices. Also, Samantha Rose Hill shares her choice for the last book she would ever read.
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Sui Sin Far's Unusual Upbringing
- Sui Sin Far, born Edith Maude Eaton, was the eldest of 14 children in a mixed-race family.
- Her mother was a formerly enslaved tightrope walker and human knife-throwing target.
Choosing a Chinese Pen Name
- Edith Eaton chose the pen name Sui Sin Far to embrace her Chinese heritage, despite facing discrimination.
- This allowed her to connect with Chinese communities and write with credibility.
Early Aspiration to Write
- Edith Eaton decided to become a writer at eight years old, inspired to write about mixed-race individuals.
- Her family's unique background, as the only Eurasian family in their area, likely influenced her ambition.
