Dalian-based veteran author Jin Ziwei's latest work is acclaimed as a shadow of, and a beacon for, contemporary Chinese immigrants.

Part of the realism perhaps stems from the fact that the raw materials and rough drafts came from the research and writing of five Chinese Americans.

Life in the Pocket is based on the experience of Zhang Wei, founder of the Asian American Affairs Association, a non-profit organization working to uphold Asian Americans' legal rights in the United States.

"I undertook the project because I saw the rare image of a real tough guy," Jin says.

"I'm moved by the idea of a man who exudes masculinity and engages in idealistic pursuits."

Zhang says that while the book, which will be released this month and will soon be followed by an English-language version, clearly delineates the line between fact and fiction, it bears clear semblance to his experiences.

Like the book's protagonist, David Zhao, Zhang grew up in Dalian, Liaoning province, in the 1950s and moved to the US in the late 1980s and enjoys a successful career with a chain fishery company. The novel starts with Zhao's rise through the managerial ranks in the 1990s, followed by his firing after vacationing in Iceland for "betraying the company".

The novel's plot arc then moves from Zhao's days as a rough and tough youth hoping to leave China to pursue the American dream, to his five-year lawsuit against his former employer.

Zhao and his little-known lawyer Daniel win $4 million in the racial discrimination case against a billionaire plaintiff. He uses the money to found an association dedicated to defending Asian Americans' rights.

"Reading the novel is like watching a captivating TV series," literary critic Lei Da said at a recent seminar in Beijing.

While other critics see the book as "a starter on the American legal system", a "biography of success" or "reflections about the two societies", Lei says it's all about dignity.

"No matter what cultural and social differences might be in place, a human being's sudden deprivation of dignity and his perseverance in retrieving it touch everyone's hearts," he says.

Zhang Wei adds: "I hope the story shows Chinese Americans are responsible American citizens. They can survive and assimilate well."

Critic He Zhenbang, who has been following overseas Chinese writers for years, says the novel successfully conveyed the personalities of foreign characters.

"It's not easy for Chinese writers to depict foreign faces, especially in leading roles. The novel did it well with its renderings of the lawyer Daniel and Zhao's former colleagues," He says.

Critic Liang Hongying says prominent overseas Chinese writers often tell stories about their pasts and immigrations.

"This novel is very much down to earth and talks about present life in a way that is real and fresh," Liang says.

Zhang Wei's friend Lilly Wang and her husband Charles Mawby are translating the novel into English. Wang immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and witnessed Zhang's lawsuit.

Mawby says he initially doubted the book would have much appeal in the English-language market but was sold on its prospects after reading the first chapter.

"The book is about a common thing that we all experience," he says.

"I'm curious to see how a man with typical Chinese wisdom is to change American society."

Jin is known for his unique storytelling delivery and spiritual explorations of the significance of life.

Among his numerous novels, novellas and stories are My Ephemeral Noble Life (2003), which caused a national sensation in China and triggered extensive discussion about the country's rising class of new rich.

"Researchers compile papers to criticize the story," Jin says.

"But I was writing about the lack of a spiritual quest in modern society."

China Daily

(China Daily 09/04/2010 page11)