Dim Sum Stories, evokes the Chinese-style of cuisine featuring many delectable dishes of dumplings and bite-sized morsels often socially tasted in Chinese restaurants in the mornings and late afternoons. The Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop is producing the inaugural literASIAN: a Festival of Pacific Rim Asian Canadian Writing which will have Larry Wong as one of the featured authors at the opening reception on November 21 and closing dinner gala on November 24. Larry will be giving a reading and author signing of Dim Sum Stories.Dim Sum Stories: A Chinatown Childhood is Larry Wong's memoirs, a nostalgic glimpse back at growing up in Vancouver's Chinatown during the 1940s and '50s, and paints the portrait of his family. Larry's father is a central part of Dim Sum Stories, where his journey began from a Chinese village to settling in Canada. The senior Wong's story is much like those of other Chinese who immigrated to British Columbia during and following the gold rush. After setting up a shirt-tailoring store, he was able to save and borrow enough to bring his wife and children over. This story of struggle and survival also inspired Larry's most recent play Empress of Asia, performed at the Firehall Arts Centre.
Larry's interest in history has seen him serving on a number of heritage committees, and as a mentor, consultant and resource person for a number of writers and scholars. He has been acknowledged in Chinese Canadian history books such as Paul Yee’s Saltwater City and Wayson Choy’s books. One of his current activities is the popular feature, “Ask Larry” on the Chinese Canadian Historical Society website. Part of his research on Chinatown can be seen on display at 5 West Pender Street as well as the Chinese military museum in the Chinese Cultural Centre. For more information, please visit: www.asiancanadianwriters.ca or www.ricepapermagazine.ca