The author Judy Fong Bates discusses her memoir The Year of Finding Memory (Random House, 2010), her Canadian identity, heritage, and going back to China to learn more about her parents, with Joseph Planta.

The Year of Finding Memory by Judy Fong Bates. (Random House Canada, 2010) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Year of Finding Memory

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

One of my favourite books of the year is the moving and elegant The Year of Finding Memory by Judy Fong Bates. She came to Canada in the 1950s at a very young age. Her parents were dispirited Chinese, who resented their new home away from home. She feels more Canadian than anything else, and a trip to China some years later uncovers some back story about her parents life, as well as reveals to herself, a greater understanding of her identity, whatever that might be. It’s an unforgettable book from one of the country’s acclaimed writers. Her short-story collection China Dog: And Other Stories, and her novel Midnight at the Dragon Cafe were critically acclaimed. The Year of Finding Memory is published by Random House. She joined me last week while in Vancouver promoting this book. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Judy Fong Bates; Good morning, Ms. Fong Bates.

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