Episode 48: Mimi Kwa, Author of a Memoir about Four Generations of a Chinese Family

The Dressmaker is a Gothic novel that follows Tilly Dunnage, a skilled dressmaker trained in Paris, as she returns to her hometown of Dungatar in 1950s Australia. Tilly's return is met with hostility from the townspeople, who still blame her for a childhood tragedy. Despite this, her exquisite dresses attract the attention of the local women, while she navigates her complicated past and seeks revenge against those who wronged her. The novel delves into the darker aspects of small-town life, including suspicion, judgment, and gossip, and is inspired by the author's mother's life as a dressmaker in a small country town.

The novel tells the story of Chiyo Sakamoto, a young girl sold into slavery in the Gion district of Kyoto, who later becomes the renowned geisha Sayuri. The story spans 25 years, from 1929 to the post-World War II era, providing a glimpse into the secret world of geishas and Japan's history during that period. Sayuri's journey includes her harsh apprenticeship, the auction of her virginity, and her complex relationships with other geishas and patrons, particularly her unrequited love for a man known as the Chairman. The book explores themes of exploitation, cultural traditions, and the resilience of women in a highly controlled environment.

In 'A New Earth,' Eckhart Tolle expands on the ideas presented in his previous book, 'The Power of Now.' He argues that our attachment to the ego is the root of suffering, anger, jealousy, and unhappiness. Tolle provides insights and practical advice on how to awaken to a new state of consciousness, letting go of ego-based thinking and embracing the present moment. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the now, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, and finding true fulfillment by aligning with one's inner purpose rather than external roles or material possessions[2][3][5].