CELIA, MISOKA, I

Written by Xue Yiwei

Narrated by Kevin Qian

A meditation on the meaning of life in an increasingly global world, from acclaimed Chinese-Canadian author Xue Yiwei. Set in modern-day Montreal, Celia, Misoka, I is the story of a middle-aged Chinese man who has been living in the city for fifteen years. After the death of his wife, he begins to reflect on his past and how he has ended up alone in Canada, a solitary member of the Chinese diaspora. It is in this period of angst and uncertainty, during the most unusual of winters, that he meets two women by Beaver Lake, on Montreal’s Mount Royal. They, too, have their own stories: stories of their own personal plights, which connect present to past, and West to East.The distinct paths taken by these three characters — Celia, Misoka, and “I” — span continents and decades, but, whether by chance or design, converge in Montreal, like mysterious figures in an ancient Chinese Zen painting. After coming together, the three begin to examine who they are, where they might belong, and how to navigate otherness and identity in a globalized world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Translator: Stephen Nashef
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094442709

Xue Yiwei

Xue Yiwei has a B.Sc. in computer science, an M.A. in literature, and a Ph.D. in linguistics. He is the acclaimed author of twenty books, including Desertion, Dr. Bethune’s Children, and Shenzheners, as well as The Empty Nest, which topped major literary charts in China. His books have been translated into English, French, and Swedish. He lives in Montreal.

Reviews for CELIA, MISOKA, I

[Judith Rubin · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

An engaging story but the book feels unedited, and the audio performance is awkward and stiff.

[Ana Vigueras · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Definitely thought provoking and I love the mix of cultures and the way the author blends mystery with relatability. I disagree with the review that he was “lusting” after women. It is not a crass, lust filled work, it is about how people are tied together through unusual, unfortunate situations and the power of both male-female interest and same sex friendships. I’m totally impressed and hope to read more from this author in the future

[Joyce Harout · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I'm on chapter 5. The way this guy creeps on women is making me ill. I'm going to stop listening now. No thanks.

[Elizabeth Hernandez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. Great narration! Made me think about the meaning of life from another perspective.