Author Paul French To Discuss Latest Book, Her Lotus Year, in Beijing

Lovers of Chinese history – especially as it relates to Beijing – are in for a treat as author Paul French will be in the capital from Mar 19 to Mar 22 for a series of talks and appearances about his latest book.

French will be in town to discuss Her Lotus Year: China, the Roaring Twenties, and the Making of Wallis Simpson, a recounting of the year Wallis Simpson, American socialite and future wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (formerly King Edward VIII), spent in China from 1924 to 1925. While also an overview of her time in the country, the book also seeks to largely dispel any of the more scandalous rumors that came about from Simpson’s journey.

To find out more about the book discussion and subsequent post-AGM dinner, both organized by the Royal Asiatic Society, Beijing (RASBJ), we spoke with Melinda Liu, the society's vice president and a longtime Beijing resident.

Hello, Melinda. What did you think of Her Lotus Year? And how did this in-person talk come about?
I enjoyed the book. Given all the salacious and sensational what-did-Wallis-Simpson-really-do-in-China rumors, I found it refreshing to read something based on deep research and an open mind. That's why, earlier this year, I organized an online talk for RASBJ in which Paul discussed Wallis in conversation with sinologist Frances Wood. They were terrific, and it was a huge success. So, I started talking with Paul about an in-person RASBJ event he could do when he visited Beijing in March. We brainstormed about how to differentiate it from a routine book talk. 

What will the talk cover? Is it recommended to have read the book beforehand?
We decided to organize a Mar 19 event in which Paul discusses with Matthew Hu Xinyu (of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Society, or CHP) the historic street where Wallis spent time: Shijia Hutong. There's no need for attendees to read the book beforehand; in addition to Wallis, the chat will focus on many other personalities, institutions and historical event relevent to Shijia Hutong – including literary celebrity Ling Shuhua, whose Republican-era residence has been restored and transformed into the Shijia Hutong Museum focused on life in Beijing's traditional alleyways. Shijia Hutong was home to famous names prominent in literature, performing arts, publishing, and government. For this event, RASBJ decided to host a modest-sized group to discuss the district's rich history with Paul and Matthew over dinner, and to take a short stroll along Shijia Hutong to evoke what it might've been like in the 1920s. Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to Matthew's CHP as part of RASBJ's initiative to donate to good causes.

The visit also coincides with the RASBJ's post-AGM dinner. Could you tell us more about it?
Paul serendipitously will also be in town for RASBJ's March 22 AGM, and he generously agreed to deliver the keynote speech at the annual post-AGM dinner. There, he'll talk about the Peking Oriental Society of the late Qing era and evoke the people and places of old Peking. In keeping with the vintage vibe, we decided to hold this dinner at the old Peking Hotel (now NUO Hotel Beijing), where Wallis had spent time during her "Lotus Year" in China. Then, some RASBJ members convinced us to welcome people to dress in 1920s evening attire for the occasion, though it's not mandatory.  

Sounds like it’s going to be an amazing few days. How can folks sign up to attend? 
People can register for the Mar 22 dinner with Paul as the keynote speaker here or by scanning the QR code on the poster below. Those hoping to attend the Mar 19 dinner please email communications@rasbj.org. Seating will be limited, and RASBJ members enjoy priority. If you're persuaded to join RASBJ as a member, you scan the QR code in the poster attached at the end of the article.

What other things will French be up to during his visit? 
Beijing-based lawyer and author James Zimmerman is holding a drinks reception honoring Paul for members of the Foreign Correspondents Club of China (FCCC) on Fri, Mar 21. Paul will introduce his book to Beijing-based foreign reporters over drinks and nibbles.

Paul French’s dinner and talk on Her Lotus Year will be taking place near Shijia Hutong Museum on Wed, Mar 19. Those who wish to attend can send an email to the address above.

RASBJ’s Post-AGM Dinner & Talk will be taking place at NUO Hotel Beijing on Sat, Mar 22, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Doors open at 7pm. Seats are RMB 600 for RAS members and RMB 800 for non-members and can be reserved by scanning the QR code in the poster above or following this link.

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Images: courtesy of Paul French and RASBJ