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Da Chen grew up in the deep south of China, running barefoot in muddy fields and riding the backs of water buffaloes. As the grandson of a disgraced landowner, he was a victim of communist political persecution and hollowing poverty during the Cultural Revolution. His family was beaten, his father thrown in reform camp, and young Chen, at the age of nine, was threatened with imprisonment.
Da arrived in America at the age of 23 with $30 in his pocket, a bamboo flute, and a heart filled with hope. He attended Columbia University School of Law on a full scholarship, and upon graduating, worked for the Wall Street investment banking firm of Rothschilds, Inc.
Da published two memoirs (with one adapted for children as well) and four novels, two for children. In addition to writing, Da was a public speaker, a brush calligrapher and an accomplished flautist.
He died of lung cancer in December 2019 aged 57.
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What inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up in a society where freedom of speech was not allowed, I find
it the ultimate luxury to be able to express your thoughts openly without
having to worry about consequences. Writing, to me, is not only a noble
calling but also a family tradition. My great-grandfather was a poet, so was
my grandfather (in fact the titles of my two memoirs are from his poem), and
my father was a playwright of traditional southern dramas. Writing is one of
the four virtues of a Chinese noble man, along with being an accomplished
calligrapher, chess player, and musician. I feel both humbled and proud to
be able to continue the tradition of my forefathers.
Why did you choose to write for children after your success in writing
for adults?
I write for children because they still believe. I write for children
because they have the right to know. I write for children because they know
a good story from a bad one, an authentic tale from a synthetic compilation.
How did you come up with the idea for Wandering Warrior, straying from
the nonfiction genre of your other books?
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