Stephen Ah Nom was born in China and aged 6 was sent, by his grandfather, to the US to get a good education. On completion of his degree he was unable to gain employment because he was Chinese and so returned to China. Stephen wanted his children and grandchildren to know about him and so he wrote what was in effect a really long letter to them. He kept it hidden and it only came to light after his death. This is one of the most heart warming memoirs I have ever read. Canton Elegy was a wonderful read. Stephen and his wife’s courage is truly amazing.