What better way to know Shanghai but to read the stories of its people and author Rob Schmitz truthfully conveyed the facenof modern by sharing the lives of its locals in his book Street of Eternal Happiness: Big City Dreams Along A Shanghai Road.
China as a whole is generally viewed as the country which curtails the freedom of its people. This nation, called Middle Kingdom in Mandarin Chinese, has been labeled as the source of fake and substandard goods and products. Those who haven’t been to China (or Shanghai) or those who have very little Chinese experience are quick to summarize this nation based on what they read on social media and from what they see on TV.
I believe most people around the world fail to realize that China is not just defined by its Communist Government; it has more than a billion people who each have stories to tell and their stories is a varied mix of fun, joy, tragedy, triumphs, melancholy, inspiration. And this is where Mr. Schmitz hit the button that is seldom pushed.
He shared stories, the lives of the local Chinese, the desires of its people.
He did not stop at face value.
He went deeper and resurfaced the hearts of the matter.
In Street of Eternal Happiness, Mr. Schmitz used his skills as China foreign correspondent to present the lives of people based on his observation and interpretation. He is a master storyteller who expertly told us the dreams, aspirations, and ambitions of a race with very little literary exposure in this world.
The stories in this book are intimate because these are stories of Shanghai’s people; not the kind lifted from state-owned newspapers or goverment-run publications.
Think of this book as a compilation of short stories except that this book is not a work of fiction. These stories are as real as they can be.
Caution: The stories in this book may bring about a state of culture shock to those who don’t have any knowledge about China. Customs and traditions may be strange and weird so I invite you to open your minds. The world is an amazing place and China is just one of those reasons why it remains to be amazing amidst the violence and oppression.
I lived in Shanghai in 2010. Between 2014 and 2015, I lived in Guangzhou and visited Shanghai only once. If I have to choose which Chinese city to live in (again), it will be Shanghai.
Shanghai has always been the melting pot of cultures from both East and West. Modern Shanghai remains the same. It is home to many foreigners and expatriates who have created their own streets of eternal happiness whichever nook, cranny, or high-rise building they have settled in.
Thank you Mr. Schmitz for sharing this part of China not many know about. Stories inspire and educate — and you used your talent as a storyteller to unleash those powers.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the Blogging For Books program for review consideration. I was not required to write positive reviews. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
