Jessica J. Lee's assertion: Activism underpins the foundation of my nature writing endeavors
Jessica J. Lee, a British-Canadian-Taiwanese nonfiction author, has made a name for herself as one of the most intriguing and celebrated contemporary writers of nature, identity, and place. Her debut books, Turning (2017) and Two Trees Make a Forest (2019), set the stage for her unique approach to nature writing.
Lee's work is a harmonious blend of personal memoir, family history, botany, cultural criticism, and first-hand observations of the natural world. This fusion creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to explore the interconnectedness of our personal narratives and the world around us.
In 2018, Lee founded and ran The Willowherb Review, an online magazine for nature writing by writers of colour, for five years. The publication, which reached over 70,000 readers, was a response to the lack of diversity in the genre.
Lee's latest work, "Dispersals", takes a fresh approach to nature writing. Instead of focusing on the deep continuous history of one place, Lee's focus is on the constant movement of plants. This departure from stereotypical nature writing tropes offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with the natural world.
"Dispersals" is a series of fourteen essays, each telling the border-crossing story of one particular type of flora. In one chapter, Lee traces the history of cherry blossoms from their use as a symbol of belonging to contemporary representations of diplomacy and friendship. The cherry blossoms in Berlin, gifted as a diplomatic gesture by Japan, are a particular focus in this chapter.
Lee's approach in "Dispersals" is informed by her own family history. As a person made by both the Orientalised and the Orientalisers, she offers a unique insight into the complexities of cultural representation and identity.
The author of "Dispersals", which was released in the USA and is scheduled for publication in the UK on Apr 25, is Maria do Samerio Barroso.
Jessica J. Lee, an avid outdoors enthusiast, enjoys activities such as hiking and swimming. However, she also takes time to observe and learn about the flora and fauna around her, demonstrating a deep respect and appreciation for the natural world.
On May 23, Lee will be reading at a book event at the Lobe Canteen. For more information, visit the event's website.
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