KINTSUGI
A Woman
Worthless to Gold
Kintsugi: A Woman follows the life of a spirited Chinese girl who once loved to perform for an audience.
At the age of four, she is sent away to reunite with parents she barely knows. She feels abandoned and carries this as her first scar into Canada. Within a month, after a terrifying incident, her mother becomes the person she fears most. Her natural lively self is hidden away, and her voice is silenced. Branded a "worthless daughter" by her mother who wanted a first-born son, she internalizes shame and becomes a stranger to herself.
Raw, intimate, and unflinching, Kintsugi: A Woman is a story of resilience, identity, and the slow, courageous act of reclaiming one's voice-and one's authentic self. It is for every woman who has been told she was not enough-and who dares, finally, to believe otherwise.
She is Kintsugi. A metaphor for the woman- who was once considered worthless. Once broken, now a beautifully mended vessel*, stronger and more resilient than ever, for each restored piece is a treasure that completes her.
*Throughout history, women have been considered vessels as they contain, guide, and protect. A woman's womb is a cradle that gives life.
About the Author :
Ming Louie Stein, is a first generation Chinese/Canadian immigrant who grew up in East Vancouver. She currently lives in Port Moody with her husband and their two beloved pets: a poodle-terrier mix and a British shorthair cat. She has two grandchildren who inspire her every day.Ming began writing after her retirement, and this was her debut book. Her children's book "Come Travel the World with Artie and Mimi" is a colourful travelogue for children ages 4 to 7. She writes women's stories. "Saint Annie"- an old fashioned story for today. It should be available mid to late 2026. Ming is currently working on "Bella and Bear"- a tale of magical realism Ming participates in writing groups and attends book fairs and author events throughout the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Review :
A Powerful Story of Resilience and Transformation: I couldn't put this book down-drawn in from the very first chapter. *Kintsugi: A Woman Worthless to Gold* is a beautifully written work of autofiction that grips you with its raw honesty and emotional depth. The author shares her story with unflinching courage, recounting her painful journey after immigrating to Canada and reuniting with a mother whose cruelty made her feel worthless.
Ming masterfully weaves in the stories of her mother and two grandmothers, offering a deeper look into the generational values and family dynamics that shaped their relationships.
Despite the heartbreak, this book is ultimately a story of resilience and transformation. A moving testament to the strength it takes to rebuild, piece by piece, and turn pain into power. -- Reviewed by Stacy C.
