Heart Radical: A Search for Language, Love, and Belonging

Anne, a young, multiracial American woman, travels through China, the country of her mother's birth, to understand how her path is tied to her mother tongue. She tries on different roles and seeks intimacy with others, but eventually realizes that to live her truth as a mixed-race, bilingual woman, she must embrace all of her influences and layers. She learns that she can both belong and not belong wherever she is and that home is ultimately found within.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press

Anne, a young, multiracial American woman, embarks on a transformative journey through China, the country of her mother's birth. As she explores this unfamiliar land, she delves into the profound connection between her mother tongue and her identity. Through a series of experiences, Anne assumes various roles—seeker, teacher, student, girlfriend, artist, and daughter—each offering a unique perspective on her journey. She questions the reasons behind her unwavering desire to make this pilgrimage, seeking solace in understanding the intricacies of her heritage.

Anne's odyssey takes her to diverse corners of China, from witnessing the breathtaking sky burial in Tibet to teaching English at a university in Chengdu. She cherishes the moments spent with her grandmother in Los Angeles, reliving cherished memories and forging new connections. Along the way, she falls in love with a Chinese painter, a relationship that challenges her preconceptions and expands her horizons.

For two years, Anne finds solace in a comfortable routine in her boyfriend's apartment, rediscovering her fluency in Chinese, a language she spoke as a young child but had gradually lost touch with as an adult. However, as time passes, a longing for self-discovery resurfaces within her. She misses the ease of speaking English, yearns for the fresh air of nature, and finds herself attracted to another man.

In a moment of introspection, Anne realizes that to live her truth as a mixed-race, bilingual woman, she must embrace all of her influences and layers. She learns that she can both belong and not belong wherever she is, finding a sense of home within the complexities of her identity.

Anne's journey teaches us that home is not a fixed destination but a state of being. It is a place where we can find comfort, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, regardless of our background or circumstances. It is a journey of self-discovery, where we learn to embrace our uniqueness and celebrate the diversity that surrounds us.

As Anne returns home, she carries with her a newfound appreciation for her mother tongue and the rich tapestry of her heritage. She understands that her path is intertwined with the language that shaped her, and she is committed to preserving and celebrating it for generations to come.

In conclusion, Anne's journey through China is a testament to the power of language, identity, and self-discovery. Through her experiences, she learns that home is not a physical place but a state of being, and that by embracing all of our influences and layers, we can find true belonging and live our truth.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647421731