Two Lifetimes (Paperback, New)

Sandra Grant is a young woman living with schizophrenia. She learns that her illness is caused by a tragedy in a past life as a peasant woman named Jun, who lived in rural China. The lives of these two characters converge in Two Lifetimes, a novel based on restless dreams, secrets, delusions, and ancient stories of reincarnation. After suffering a mental breakdown triggered by her constant nightmares, Sandra is sent to the psychiatric ward. There she meets Tai Yang, a handsome young man who shares the same nightmares. Together, Sandra and Tai try to uncover the meaning of their dream, and will unveil family secrets that could destroy everyone dear to them. Could the story of Sandra's past save her in the present? Two Lifetimes is a novel that illuminates readers with its description of life in rural China. It also explores gender issues in the Chinese culture, particularly the obligation to bear a male heir and the consequences of honoring that obligation. Joanne Guo is a writer, an educator, and a doctorate candidate in economics. A Chinese-American who immigrated to the U.S. when she was ten years old, she has lived in New York City ever since. She writes stories embracing the intriguing elements of Chinese traditions, while evoking awareness of gender inequality and mental health issues. She is currently working on another novel.