The History of Literature Podcast - Episode 667: Sui Sin Far (with Victoria Namkung) | My Last Book with Samantha Rose Hill

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In episode 667 of The History of Literature Podcast, host Jack Wilson delves into the life and works of Sui Sin Far, the pioneering Chinese American writer also known as Edith Maud Eaton. The episode features insightful conversations with Victoria Namkung, a Los Angeles-based author and expert on Sui Sin Far, and Samantha Rose Hill, a renowned scholar specializing in the philosophy of Hannah Arendt.

Exploring Sui Sin Far: Edith Maud Eaton’s Legacy

Jack Wilson opens the episode by celebrating the podcast’s 10th anniversary before introducing Sui Sin Far, highlighting her unique heritage as half English and half Chinese. Born in England in 1865, Eaton moved to Montreal and later to various cities in the United States, where she worked as a reporter covering Asian communities. In 1898, she began publishing under the pen name Sui Sin Far, meaning "water lily" in Cantonese, to authentically represent her Chinese heritage and challenge prevalent racial stereotypes.

Key Historical Context

Victoria Namkung provides a comprehensive backdrop of the era in which Sui Sin Far wrote, emphasizing the rampant anti-Chinese sentiment in North America. She explains how laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely restricted Chinese immigration and citizenship, fostering widespread racism and economic exploitation of Chinese workers. Additionally, Namkung discusses the patriarchal constraints faced by women during this period, noting that Sui Sin Far also addressed sexism alongside racial discrimination in her writings.

Choosing an Authentic Identity

At [00:08:52], Namkung addresses why Edith Eaton chose to adopt a distinctly Chinese pen name rather than passing as white or using a male pseudonym. She states:

“Edith Eaton knew from an early age that the Chinese were heavily discriminated against...she went with a name that sounds incredibly Asian, incredibly Chinese. And that was her mission to humanize Chinese people.” ([08:52])

Writing with Humor and Irony

Sui Sin Far’s writing is celebrated for its use of irony and humor to critique societal injustices. Namkung highlights her ability to blend sensationalist genres like romance and adventure with sharp social commentary. A notable example is her essay "The Persecution and Oppression of Me," where she humorously yet poignantly responds to prejudiced remarks:

“One day my landlady inquired if I did not think that the reason why I was brighter than the ordinary Chinese was because I had white blood in my veins. I answered that I hadn't the slightest doubt that the reason why I was superior to a great many whites was because I had Chinese blood in my veins.” ([17:29])

Challenges and Resilience

Despite facing condescension from some editors and societal rejection, Sui Sin Far persisted in her mission to portray Chinese Americans with depth and humanity. Namkung notes that Eaton’s courageous stance often made her work controversial, but it was instrumental in laying the foundations of Asian American literature.

Rediscovery and Modern Relevance

Victoria shares her personal journey of discovering Sui Sin Far while studying at UC Santa Barbara in the late 1990s. She recounts how Eaton’s candid exploration of race and identity resonated with her own experiences as a Eurasian woman. The renewed interest in Sui Sin Far’s work has led to greater recognition and inclusion in academic syllabi, especially with the recent publication of An Immortal Selected Writings by Sui Sin Far. This collection aims to make Eaton’s work accessible to a broader audience, featuring both her well-known and lesser-known pieces.

Highlighted Passage

Victoria reads an excerpt from "Mrs. Spring Fragrance," showcasing Eaton’s elegant prose and subtle sarcasm:

“Great and honored man. Greeting from your plum blossom... I am enjoying a most agreeable visit. And American friends, as also our own, strive benevolently for the accomplishment of my pleasure... Your ever loving and obedient woman, Jade.” ([30:41])

This passage illustrates Sui Sin Far’s ability to infuse humor and critique into her narratives, making her social commentary both engaging and thought-provoking.

Impact on Modern Writers

Victoria expresses admiration for Sui Sin Far’s multifaceted approach to writing, which seamlessly intertwines personal identity, social justice, and creative storytelling. She emphasizes how Eaton’s work continues to inspire contemporary writers to explore intersectional themes and embrace diverse voices.

Samantha Rose Hill: Reflections on Her Last Book with Hannah Arendt

In the latter part of the episode, Samantha Rose Hill joins the conversation to discuss her perspective on choosing a "last book" to read. She reflects on the enduring influence of Hannah Arendt's philosophy, emphasizing the continuous nature of thinking and understanding the world. Her thoughtful responses underscore the importance of literature as a lifelong journey of exploration and enlightenment.

Conclusion

Jack Wilson wraps up the episode by highlighting the profound legacy of Sui Sin Far and her enduring relevance in today’s literary and social landscapes. He teases upcoming episodes that will explore fascinating literary figures and their unique stories, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more enriching discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Victoria Namkung [08:52]: “Edith Eaton knew from an early age that the Chinese were heavily discriminated against...she went with a name that sounds incredibly Asian, incredibly Chinese. And that was her mission to humanize Chinese people.”

• Victoria Namkung [17:29]: “One day my landlady inquired if I did not think that the reason why I was brighter than the ordinary Chinese was because I had white blood in my veins. I answered that I hadn't the slightest doubt that the reason why I was superior to a great many whites was because I had Chinese blood in my veins.”

• Victoria Namkung [28:22]: “An Immortal Book comes from the story 'The Inferior Woman,' which also features that same character, Mrs. Spring Fragrance...she wanted to write something that would last and tell truths about her characters in the world that she lived in.”

• Samantha Rose Hill [45:54]: “I think that that is absolutely right, though, when I hear the question, what would your last book be?...there can always be something else.”

Support and Further Information

For more details about the podcast and to support future episodes, visit historyofliterature.com or facebook.com/historyofliterature. Contributions can be made through patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. For inquiries, contact historyofliteraturepodcast@gmail.com.

Note: This summary captures the essence and key discussions of the episode, including significant quotes with appropriate attributions and timestamps, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.