Edmonton, September 25, 2025 — Audreys Books in downtown Edmonton was filled with literary energy on Thursday evening as local author Manna Liu celebrated the launch of her new English-language collection, A Solo Dance and Other Stories. Organized by the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club, the event drew more than thirty literature enthusiasts, local writers, readers, and community members.
The evening began at 7 p.m. with welcoming remarks from Ying Shi, President of the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club. In her speech, Ying thanked attendees for their support and introduced the club’s mission to promote and empower Chinese writers in Canada. She highlighted Manna’s literary accomplishments and praised A Solo Dance and Other Stories for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and resilience. Through its exploration of identity and belonging, Shi said, the book offers a unique contribution to Edmonton’s literary record.
Author Manna Liu then shared insights into her creative journey. She explained that A Solo Dance and Other Stories is not only a literary work but also a reflection of her twenty years of immigrant life in Canada. From the early challenges of language barriers and cultural differences to finding belonging and self-expression through writing, her stories capture both the solitude and strength of the immigrant experience.
“The ‘solo dance’ symbolizes not just loneliness, but also empowerment and growth,” Jia said. “Immigrant stories are not isolated experiences — they are part of our shared social heritage and deserve to be heard.”
As a Chinese Canadian writer, Manna expressed her hope to use a blend of Eastern and Western perspectives to convey the cultural shocks, adaptation, and growth of immigrants, making literature a bridge for understanding and connection.
During the reading session, two of Manna’s readers performed live excerpts from the book. The audience was deeply moved by the storytelling and gained a stronger appreciation of the book’s emotional depth and artistic charm.
A lively Q&A session followed, where attendees discussed topics such as cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and writing techniques. The atmosphere was warm, open, and engaging, reflecting the deep connection between the author and her readers.
Before the book signing, Ying Shi once again thanked everyone for their participation, noting that Manna Liu’s success is also a proud achievement for the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club. She emphasized that the club not only serves the Chinese community but also promotes collaboration and mutual growth with other cultural groups. Ying invited guests to continue supporting the club’s upcoming literary activities and to help foster local writers’ development. Manna Liu also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her readers and the community for their ongoing encouragement and support.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees lined up to purchase books and have them signed. Manna greeted each reader personally and posed for photos, creating lasting memories of the night.
The launch was a resounding success. It not only showcased Manna Liu’s latest achievements in cross-cultural writing but also highlighted the growing influence of Chinese Canadian authors on Canada’s literary stage. Through sharing and dialogue, participants gained a deeper appreciation of immigrant literature and its role in shaping Canada’s multicultural identity. As organizer, the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club once again demonstrated its vital role in promoting local literary creation and fostering intercultural understanding.
This event was more than a book launch; it was a celebration of literature, community, and cultural connection that added new color to Edmonton’s vibrant cultural landscape.
