Description

Book Synopsis

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

Mr Ma and Son Penguin Modern Classics

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    A Paperback / softback by Lao She, William Dolby

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 29 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 6 October 2022
      ISBN-13 9780241579558
      978-0241579558
      ISBN-10 0241579554

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      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

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