Award winning Australian author Gabrielle Wang shares her own family story in her latest novel, Little Paradise (Penguin, 2010). Set in Australia and China during the Second World War, this moving story is appealing as both a romance and a work of YA historical fiction.
Little Paradise
Mirabel is a 17-year-old girl of Chinese heritage living in Melbourne, Australia in 1943. Her world consists of her family and her passion for drawing and designing dresses. When she meets JJ, a young Chinese soldier stationed in Melbourne during the war, she could not predict that his arrival will turn her world upside down.
When Mirabel and JJ fall in love, they have more to overcome than Mirabel’s father’s objections to their relationship. When JJ is posted back home, Mirabel fears for his safety as civil war rages in China. Ignoring concerns for her own safety, she travels to Shanghai to find JJ so that they can face their future together.
Little Paradise is inspired by a true story, with the characters of Mirabel and JJ based on author Gabrielle Wang’s own parents. Wang’s mother is a third generation Chinese Australia and her father was born in a village near Shanghai, China. While names have been changed and some details have been slightly altered for the story, the majority of the book reflects the experiences of Wang’s parents during the turbulent years of the Second World War.
An Engaging Introduction to Chinese Australian History
Little Paradise offers readers an interesting introduction to the experiences of Chinese Australians and events in China during the Second World War. Wang hopes that once readers have finished the story, their interest will be sparked in this period of history and they will research further.
For author Gabrielle Wang, writing fiction for children and teens offers an opportunity to not only share information about Chinese culture and history but also to impact readers on a more personal level. She hopes to “open their minds to new cultures, experiences and ideas. I always include themes about fitting in and knowing where you belong. My characters are often searching for a sense of identity and understand what it’s like to be an outsider”.
All Wang’s books are written from a perspective that enables readers to easily identify with the central character. Wang wants readers to look at the world through the eyes of the central character and “experience what the protagonist is experiencing”.
Author and Illustrator Gabrielle Wang
Gabrielle Wang is an award winning author and illustrator with a number of titles to her credit ranging from picture books to YA fiction. She is passionate about encouraging children to use their imagination and sharing her knowledge of Chinese culture with her readers.
Born in Melbourne, Gabrielle Wang’s family first came to Australia during the Victorian Gold Rush. Her books reflect her combined Chinese and Western heritage with an additional touch of fantasy.
Gabrielle Wang's blog shares tips for aspiring writers and posts regular updates on her writing activities and public appearances. Wang’s previous book titles include The Garden of Empress Cassia (Puffin, 2002), winner of the 2002 Aurealis award, and A Ghost in my Suitcase (Puffin, 2009).
A Moving YA Romance set During the Second World War
Little Paradise is a touching recount of a personal journey, both physical and emotional, for the novel’s central character, Mirabel.
Knowing that Little Paradise reflects the real-life experiences of Gabrielle Wang’s family makes it a particularly compelling story. Suitable for teen readers aged 13+, it will also appeal to adults with an interest in history, romance or Australian and Chinese culture.
Review copy details:
Little Paradise (ISBN: 978-0-14-301147-7, 314 pages)
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