Mosman Readers

"Book lovers never go to bed alone"

Mr. Chen's emporium by Deborah O'Brien

"Mr. Chen's Emporium" is an easy-to-read novel of two women who move to a gold-mining town, one in 1872, the other, one hundred years later. It highlights the changing attitudes over the years to women, their education, dating, courtship etc. Set in a picturesque rural town with its sense of community and friendliness, the book recalls the intolerance and racism against Chinese immigrants in the 1870s that culminated in the White Australia policy of 1901. But basically this is a light-hearted book of hope and renewal. There will be a sequel out there soon.

'A real charmer and a fine debut' - Deborah Rodriguez, author of "The Little Shop of Kabul"