The Chens, A Family Saga
Project: The Chens, A Family Saga is a book that chronicles the Chen family’s history, their immigrant journey, life in America, and the voices of various family members. The project began in September 2020 and was completed and printed in July 2021.
Self-Publisher: Myriam Chen
Editor: Ivan Lai
Book Designer: Xinping Li
Year: 2021
Size: 9.5"x6.5" and 428 pages
Style and Material: Linen Hardcover, Dust Jacket, and Gatefold
Language: Written in English and Chinese
Printed in Edition One Book Company
Dust Jacket Design
The book's dust jacket was inspired by traditional Chinese brush painting. The idea is based on the Chinese poem '朝中措,' which is what the authors requested.
Dust Jacket illustration sketch to final
朝中措宋代-闾丘次
杲横江一抹是平沙。
沙上几千家。
得到人家尽处，依然水接天涯。
危栏送目，翩翩去鹢，点点归鸦。
渔唱不知何处，多应只在芦花。
Across the river
A vast expanse of sand
and a thousand dwellings,
Where the dwellings end
The river meets the sky,
Gazing through the broken fence
Cranes flitting through the air
Homebound crows dotting the sky,
Where has the fisherman's song gone?
Only its echo remains in the reeds.
Dust Jacket and spine design sketch to final
Chapter Design
Chapter illustration sketch to final
Chapter 1:
Our Beginning - Chen Ancestors
Chapter 2:
The 100 Tumultuous Years
Chapter 3:
Transition in Portuguese Macau
Chapter 4:
Our American Experience
Chapter 5:
Chinese American
