The Concubine’s Children (1995) by Denise Chong is a powerful nonfiction family memoir that spans two generations, tracing the impact of immigration, cultural expectations, and family secrets. Using letters, interviews, photographs, and personal recollections, Chong explores the lives of her grandparents, particularly Chan Sam and his concubine May-ying, who moved from China to Canada in search of a better life. The story focuses on May-ying's struggles in Vancouver, her strained relationship with her daughter Winnie (Denise’s mother), and Winnie’s eventual success despite hardship. The narrative culminates in a poignant journey to China, where Winnie meets her siblings for the first time. Acclaimed for its candid and compassionate storytelling, the book has won multiple awards and was later adapted into a stage play.
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