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On Monday 28th February, The British School of Nanjing was delighted to welcome one of China’s most acclaimed novelists, Su Tong, through its doors.
Born in 1963 in Suzhou, Su Tong gained international recognition when the film of his novel Wives and Concubines, was released in 1993. The film, whose name was changed to Raise the Red Lantern was nominated for an Academy Award.
He has since received recognition for his work worldwide. In 2009, Boat to Redemption was shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize and in 2015, he was a co-winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize for Yellowbird Story.
Su Tong was able to visit as part of the celebration of Book Week and spent time with teenage students, answering their questions as part of “An Audience with Su Tong” in the school’s theatre.
Asked by a number of students about his own teenage years, Su Tong described how he had grown up at a time when China was changing rapidly, but that at that time, he could not have imagined an international school with the facilities, or the range of opportunities, that students today had. He explained he had always had a passion for writing but the idea of being a professional writer only came later at university. He encouraged students to keep their dreams, but admitted finding success as a writer is not easy and, were his own children to try follow his footsteps, he would advise them to think carefully.
Mr Shephard, principal of the school, said “We would usually look to have a range of special guests visit the school for events like Book Week, often from the UK. The situation around the world means that has not been possible and we looked closer to home for guests. To have a writer of the caliber of Su Tong visit the school has been truly inspirational and a reminder that our adopted hometown, Nanjing, has been known as the educational centre of China for more than 1700 years. The cultural richness that exists here is something we hope to bring into our community more and more.”
Su Tong is one of five authors, journalists, illustrators and publishers visiting the school during Book Week, offering workshops, presentations and talks to students throughout the school.