Sep 17, 2021
Sylvia Liu has never met her grandfathers, but they have played an important role in China's history. Most importantly, they have played a significant role in Syliva's life through their example and influence on her mother and father. Sylvia sits down with us to discuss her grandfathers, her life as an environmental lawyer, and now as a children and young adult author.
Sylvia's maternal grandfather was Lieutenant General Fan Hanjie. Lt. General Fan Hanjie was one of General Chiang Kai-shek's generals and a member of the Nationist Chinese Government. As one of the key military leaders of China, Lt. General Fan Hanjie was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm, which is the highest award that the U.S. presents to citizens and non-citizens who aided in the war effort.
Liu Yiguang, Sylvia's grandfather on her father's side of the family, was a Commander of Intelligence in Chiang Kai-Shek's army. Liu Yiguang was responsible for the security and house arrest of Zhang Xueliang who was a general that kidnapped Chiang Kai-shek and forced him to sign an agreement with the Communist to halt the civil war and work together to fight the Japanese. Liu Yiguang would guard Zhang Xueliang for more than 25 years, both in China and in Taiwan.
Sylvia and I also dive into her background and upbringing, including growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, before migrating to the United States. We discuss her professional life as an environmental lawyer for the U.S. Government and with several non-profit organizations. We also discuss her transition to being a child and young adult author with a new book, Manatee's Best Friend, now available.
Links
Sylvia's blog about her grandfather Lt. General Fan Hanjie (Fan Hanjie (范漢傑) (1894-1976))
Sylvia's book page (MANATEE'S BEST FRIEND, A MORNING WITH GRANDPA, etc.)
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