Author Nancy Lam reconnects with her roots
Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:29:57 +0000
Barrister and solicitor Nancy Lam decided to write her first novel, The Loyal Daughter, when she lost her mother. “I was afraid she and everything she had accomplished would be forgotten — that upset me,” says Lam. “I wanted the next generation (at least) to know about her.”
Released in 2022, Lam’s first novel is fictionalized memoir inspired by her mother’s life, and her immigration journey to Canada from China. It’s told from three perspectives – mother, daughter, and granddaughter.
The story follows a young woman in a village in China making her way to the crowded streets of Hong Kong, who manages to immigrate to Northern Ontario, and eventually makes Toronto home.
But life is not easy. Stuck in a small apartment above a clothing store, with four kids, her mother, two siblings, and a husband who is never home, her dreams and hopes of building a new life are shattered. Filled with heart-breaking sacrifices, struggles and secrets that shape her identity, The Loyal Daughter speaks to a woman’s true resilience.
Writing the book was “cathartic”, says Lam. “Writing about and remembering her stories, kept her close to me. I could hear her voice, her critiques, as I wrote and edited. It was my way of honouring her.” The process reminded Lam of her closeness to her mother and brought back her childhood memories of food, places and experiences. It has also helped reconnect with her roots and embrace her culture.
Lam urges Canadians to take every opportunity to record their stories. “Your roots, history and family stories are priceless – they make you unique. All immigrant stories are a part of our collective Canadian history. Recording and sharing these stories, makes our country stronger,” she says.
Lam believes that every immigrant plays in important role in this country.
“While my mother may not have been a celebrity she was an important immigrant [in her own way] and that’s part of my message – all immigrants, all Canadians, are important even if they never become famous, rich or powerful,” she says.
The book is now available for purchase.
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