December 2015
On Sale: November 24, 2015
Featuring: Eileen Chen
352 pages ISBN: 1617733237 EAN: 9781617733239 Kindle: B00U7LJ080 Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
I was inspired to write my 7th novel THE WITCH’S MARKET based on
two incidents. About three years ago I read an article by my favorite Chinese
author Echo about her trip to the Witches’ Market in Bolivia. Though the article
was short, somehow the title capered my imagination and I decided to write a
whole novel about the witches’ market – when I had no idea what this novel would
be about.
However, instead of setting my novel in Bolivia, I decided to make it happen
on the Canary Islands. These seven islands are guarded by goddesses who are also
safe keepers for the hidden golden apples of Aphrodite. Sailors seeking the
legendary golden apples were lured to their doom by beautiful goddesses.
THE WITCH’S MARKET,
besides Echo’s article, was also inspired by an incident I experienced many
years ago. Once at a concert I was so annoyed by the performer’s pretentious
style that I stared at her instrument’s strings and willed them to break.
Surprisingly, a few seconds later one of the strings broke, forcing her to stop
in the middle of her performance. Rather than being happy, I was frightened that
I might possess some strange power. I never tried it again; the possibility that
it might work was too scary, maybe even unethical. Instead I put this experience
into THE WITCH’S MARKET.
I follow Confucius’ famous advice to respect the spirits but keep them at a
distance.
Mingmei Yip believes that one should, besides being entertained, also
get something out of reading a novel. Her other novels include:
Skeleton Women Femmes Fatales); The Nine
Fold Heaven, story of an ex spy and night-club singer undertaking
a dangerous journey to look for her long lost lover and son; Peach
Blossom Pavilion, story of the last Chinese Geisha;
Petals from the Sky -- a poignant Buddhist love story
about wisdom, compassion, when to persist and when to let go; Song
of the Silk Road , an adventure, love story between an older woman
and a younger man with a three million award on China’s famous, dangerous route.
Besides writing, Mingmei is accomplished in many other fields. A professional
player of the Guqin, Chinese zither, she was recently invited by
Carnegie Hall to perform in “A Festival celebrating Chinese
Culture” program. She had her solo Goddess exhibition at the New York Open
Center Gallery to great acclaim and held calligraphy workshops at the City
University of New York and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She
has lectured extensively on Chinese art and culture at Oxford University,
Columbia University, Beijing University, University of Paris, Vassar College,
Williams College.
Mingmei is also a children’s book writer and illustrator. Her two children’s
books are Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories and
Grandma Panda’s China Storybook, both by Tuttle
Publishing.
From the author of
Secret of a Thousand Beauties
and Peach Blossom Pavilion comes a beautifully
written novel of self-discovery and intrigue.
Chinese-American assistant professor Eileen Chen
specializes in folk religion at her San Francisco college.
Though her grandmother made her living as a shamaness,
Eileen publicly dismisses witchcraft as mere superstition.
Yet privately, the subject intrigues her.
When a research project takes her to the Canary Islands—long
rumored to be home to real witches—Eileen is struck by the
lush beauty of Tenerife and its blend of Spanish and
Moroccan culture. A stranger invites her to a local market
where women sell amulets, charms, and love spells. Gradually
Eileen immerses herself in her exotic surroundings, finding
romance with a handsome young furniture maker. But as she
learns more about the lives of these self-proclaimed
witches, Eileen must choose how much trust to place in this
new and seductive world, where love, greed, and vengeance
can be as powerful, or as destructive, as any magic.
I'm so happy that you came here today!! For a while, I was wondering what happened to you, then I saw your latest book, and knew you didn't leave us!! Your latest book is the most powerful yet, on many levels, and I'm so anxious to read it, yet a bit nervous- due to the subject matter. I enjoyed reading your posting, and will say that the string break was circumstance - not of your doing. You'd have to test that power out again to see if it was really of your doing. Your book will be going on my TBR list, and will make for a great read for my Winter reading list. I can't wait to grab my cup of hot cocoa, and snuggle up with your book, and at least one of my kitties, to read your latest book!! Have a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you the very best in the New Year!! (Peggy Roberson 9:23am December 5, 2015)
This book sounds so interesting. You mentioned calligraphy in your post and reminded me of the calligraphy brushes I bought in China a long time ago. Maybe I need to find them. I am adding your books to my TBR list. I have also been to the Canary Islands and love to read books that have places I have visited. (Leona Olson 3:21pm December 5, 2015)
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