THOMAS PODVIN’S FREELANCE WORK
Freelance writer - translator - Editor

A Chinese-Canadian, Denise Chong tells a touching autobiographical story through three generations on two continents. The Concubine’s Children traces the story of her maternal grandmother, May-ying, who was sold at the age of seventeen as a concubine to Chan Sam, an immigrant who left his family in China in search of wealth in Vancouver’s early Chinatown. May-ying lived out her life as a tea house waitress -- her wages used to support and build a house for Chan Sam’s family back in China. Eventually, she slid into a life of alcohol and became a single mother whose strict yet negligent ways were used to raise Chong’s mother, Hing, in Canada.
However, the book is more than the sum of distant memories -- it documents the changes of the Chinese community abroad, the slow process of acceptance by white communities in North America, as well as China’s turbulent history in the twentieth century. In revealing the mysteries of her family’s past, Chong adds a very human dimension to the role of the Chinese in history, both here and abroad.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
Book courtesy Penguin Group Canada
September 2005 issue

Confucius, also known as Zhong Ni, is one of the most famous thinkers of all time. Born approximately 2,500 years ago, he spent most of his life as a student and teacher, a teacher who imparted knowledge to everyone, regardless of their social status or origins. A disciple of Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism and one of China's most influential philosophers, Confucius' words were recorded in a number of classis texts (Spring and Autumn Annals). As well as being a fearless fighter and magnanimous politician, he mastered the 'six skills' comprising ritual, music, archery, driving, reading/writing and arithmetic, and devoted his life to restoring the Rites of Zhou in order to bring political guidance and peace to his homeland.
This graphic novel reveals insights into ancient Chinese society and details the various stages of Confucius life. Who said that comic books only entertain? This work proves that they are a source of profound thought as well.

Legend of the Laughing Buddha and Confucius, Life of the Great Humanist are distributed in China by CNPIEC (86-10-65082324; Irj@cnpiec.com.cn)

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
Book courtesy Asiapac Books
August 2005 issue

Westerners often struggle to grasp the complex concepts of Oriental religions and philosophies. Well, struggle no more. Singapore-based publisher Asiapac Books has produced a brilliant series of graphic books that put wisdom within the reach of even the least metaphysical reader. Take the Buddha, for instance, a world renowned figure associated with wisdom, magnanimity and rectitude. Legend of the Laughing Buddha reveals a new aspect of this deity, wherein the constantly smiling reincarnation of Maitreya carries a bulging sack over his shoulders, spreading happiness, abundance and contentment to all those he encounters. Of course, he still retains his pot belly, symbolizing joy, good fortune and generosity. Set in ancient China, this graphic novel is well written and of great help in understanding Buddhist thoughts. Readers of any age, and from any background, will delight in the illustrations and learn from the message so entertainingly presented here.

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
Book courtesy Asiapac Books
August 2005 issue