About the book
A deliciously funny and moving comedy-of-manners about a Chinese father and son's experiences at the height of London's Jazz Age
'He was in London - why be bothered looking at it? Wasn't it bad enough just being there?'
Newly arrived from China, Mr Ma and his son Ma Wei run an antiques shop nestled by St Paul's Cathedral, where they try to make a living amid the smog and bustle of 1920s London. As they struggle with money, misunderstandings and the ways of the English - from the overbearing patronage of missionary Reverend Ely to their well-meaning landlady Mrs Weddeburn and her carefree daughter - can understanding, even love, blossom? Both a moving story of the Chinese immigrant experience and a bitingly funny satire on the English, Mr Ma and Son delicately portrays the dreams and disappointments of those seeking a new life in a distant land.
Translated by William Dolby, with an introduction by Julia Lovell
Editions of Mr Ma and Son
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241579558
- EBook
- ISBN 9781802060515
Read an Excerpt
A deliciously funny and moving comedy-of-manners about a Chinese father and son's experiences at the height of London's Jazz Age
'He was in London - why be bothered looking at it? Wasn't it bad enough just being there?'
Newly arrived from China, Mr Ma and his son Ma Wei run an antiques shop nestled by St Paul's Cathedral, where they try to make a living amid the smog and bustle of 1920s London. As they struggle with money, misunderstandings and the ways of the English - from the overbearing patronage of missionary Reverend Ely to their well-meaning landlady Mrs Weddeburn and her carefree daughter - can understanding, even love, blossom? Both a moving story of the Chinese immigrant experience and a bitingly funny satire on the English, Mr Ma and Son delicately portrays the dreams and disappointments of those seeking a new life in a distant land.
Translated by William Dolby, with an introduction by Julia Lovell
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mr Ma and Son about?
A deliciously funny and moving comedy-of-manners about a Chinese father and son's experiences at the height of London's Jazz Age
'He was in London - why be bothered looking at it? Wasn't it bad enough just being there?'
Newly arrived from China, Mr Ma and his son Ma Wei run an antiques shop nestled by St Paul's Cathedral, where they try to make a living amid the smog and bustle of 1920s London. As they struggle with money, misunderstandings and the ways of the English - from the overbearing patronage of missionary Reverend Ely to their well-meaning landlady Mrs Weddeburn and her carefree daughter - can understanding, even love, blossom? Both a moving story of the Chinese immigrant experience and a bitingly funny satire on the English, Mr Ma and Son delicately portrays the dreams and disappointments of those seeking a new life in a distant land.
Translated by William Dolby, with an introduction by Julia Lovell
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Mr Ma and Son?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of Mr Ma and Son?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241579558
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Mr Ma and Son?
Lao She
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Mr Ma and Son is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241579558) and ebook(ISBN 9781802060515)
Where can I buy Mr Ma and Son online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Mr Ma and Son?