The Girl who Wrote in Silk [B1257]

2015 PB in excellent condition. A historical novel inspired by true events, Kelli Estes's brilliant and atmospheric debut is a poignant tale of two women determined to do the right thing, highlighting the power of our own stories. The smallest items can hold centuries of secrets... While exploring her aunt's island estate, Inara Erickson is captivated by an elaborately stitched piece of fabric hidden in the house. The truth behind the silk sleeve dated back to 1886, when Mei Lien, the lone survivor of a cruel purge of the Chinese in Seattle found refuge on Orcas Island and shared her tragic experience by embroidering it. As Inara peels back layer upon layer of the centuries of secrets the sleeve holds, her life becomes interwoven with that of Mei Lein. Through the stories Mei Lein tells in silk, Inara uncovers a tragic truth that will shake her family to its core-and force her to make an impossible choice. Should she bring shame to her family and risk everything by telling the truth, or tell no one and dishonor Mei Lien's memory?

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Historic fiction about Mei Lein, a woman born in Seattle to Chinese immigrant parents. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed - forcing Chinese immigrants to return to China. She takes refuge on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Islands. Also tells of present day Orcas Island and Seattle. Hard not to see similarities between the exclusion act and some of political environment today rounding up immigrants."; "This was pretty fantastic! I picked it out because it is set on Orcas Island and in Seattle, precisely because we had a vacation planned on San Juan Island, very close by. It was interesting to learn about life on the islands in the 1800s, and watch as a young woman attempts to open a boutique hotel in an old family home in the present day but while doing so uncovers a sordid secret from the past, with many implications on her life affecting her family and relationships. Great, though sad, story that does have a satisfying ending."; "Just fabulous. Another example of history being taught in schools not touching upon significantly major events within the United States. I had no idea that in the late 1800's, the Chinese in America were so violently disregarded."; "Great book with historical tones that harken of today! The author wrote of two families blended in many ways. Two parallel stories. I couldn't put the book down! It's a definite read and yes you will shed a tear . ."; "I really enjoyed this one... a bit of intrigue, history, and (not steamy) romance."