'My Chinese Marriage' Summary

Mae Watkins, an American student at the University of Michigan, found herself unexpectedly falling in love with a Chinese law student in the midst of World War I. Their union, defying societal expectations of the time, led them to a life in Shanghai. Mae, embracing her new environment, meticulously recorded her observations about the Chinese culture. From fashion and food to controversial practices like foot binding and widow suicide, she painted a detailed picture of her experiences. The book explores not just the cultural differences she encountered but also the depth of her love for her Chinese family and their traditions. Through her detailed descriptions and compassionate perspective, Mae's memoir offers a unique and intimate window into early 20th-century China, capturing the complexities of navigating a new culture and the enduring power of love.