Double Luck: Memoirs of a Chinese Orphan

Born in war-torn China in 1942, Chi Fa was orphaned at the age of three. He was shuffled from relative to relative and sold to an abusive Communist village chief. At the age of nine, he was the caretaker for a mute epileptic. He briefly found a loving home as a kitchen helper to a nearly blind neighbor, only to lose this haven after nearly burning down her hut. Following a harrowing escape from China with his older brother, wife and son, Chi Fa found himself in a refugee camp and the provider of food for the entire family. Moving to Hong Kong, Chi Fa supported his family by begging, until an aunt helped them emigrate to Taiwan. Feeling betrayed by his older brother, in the autumn of 1955 he struck out on his own by joining the workforce. In 1969, he immigrated to the United States, following a dream he had had for 14 years.

Double Luck is filled with examples of how the human spirit can triumph over adversity. In the Chinese language, the word "crisis" is written with two symbols: one meaning "danger" and the other meaning "opportunity". Although Chi Fa's childhood was filled with crisis, he always looked for opportunity. His successful triumph over crisis after crisis is an inspiration for all who seek hope in the face of great challenges.

© 2020 Holiday House (Audiobook): 9781987111217

Release date

Audiobook: 7 March 2020