Pagoda Dreamer

In 1900, while fleeing China’s murderous Boxer Rebellion, two-year-old Dorothy Rowe saved the lives of her missionary parents. It was the first of many remarkable acts of survival in Asia and later in America. Her inspiring spirit is preserved in every word of this unforgettable book.Rebelling against converting people from their ancient faiths, Dorothy, aka Doré, embraced a fatalistic Asian perspective. A keen observer of human nature and a colorful writer, she published poetry and four books about China. Her talent with words also enriched her letters. For almost 50 years, she wrote to a beloved sister about her yearning for romance and adventure, her views on mothering, her worries and her rapture. While working for the University of Michigan, raising a daughter alone, enduring tragic losses and a devastating battle with tuberculosis, Doré attracted others with her courage, her lack of bitterness, her humor, and her zest for life.