Author Iris Yang was born and raised in China where Americans were called “American Devils.” Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine writing books about American heroes. In fact, writing was a dangerous career when books were being burned and her grandmother, the first Chinese woman to receive a Master’s degree in the UK, was wrongfully accused of being a Counter Revolutionary Rightist and fired from her university job. At a young age, Dr. Yang had to choose a safer path—to study science, eventually earning her Ph.D. in molecular biology. Only recently has she ventured further into her true passion of creative writing.

Dr. Yang will speak about her two historical novels featuring the Flying Tigers fighter squadrons (American Volunteer Group) and their contributions to China during WWII. “Both books are works of fiction,” Yang explains, “but to me, they are also personal. As a Chinese, I’m thankful for the Flying Tigers’ bravery and sacrifice; without their help, the course of Chinese history might have been changed, my family might not have survived, and I might not have existed. As a U.S. citizen, I’m honored to write a book about the American heroes. It’s a privilege.”

This lecture is made possible by a generous gift from Patrice and Grady Merritt.