Picture a Taiwanese-born storyteller who weaves Chinese folklore with historical drama, crafting worlds that linger long after the last page—meet Janie Chang! Now a celebrated voice in historical fantasy, Chang spins tales inspired by her family’s rich history, blending magical realism with the turbulent backdrop of early 20th-century China. From Vancouver’s serene shores, she’s captivated readers worldwide with her lyrical prose and unforgettable characters.
With bestsellers like The Library of Legends and Three Souls, Chang invites us into immersive worlds where ghosts, fox spirits, and immortals roam alongside ordinary people navigating extraordinary times. Ready to dive into her enchanting stories? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Janie Chang
Born in Taiwan, Janie Chang’s early life was a global adventure, with stints in the Philippines, Iran, Thailand, and New Zealand before she settled in Vancouver, Canada. Growing up, she soaked up family stories about life in a small Chinese town before World War II, where tales of ancestors mingling with dragons and ghosts sparked her imagination. A computer science graduate from Simon Fraser University, Chang later honed her craft at the university’s Writer’s Studio, trading code for stories. Her debut novel, Three Souls, launched her literary career in 2013, proving her knack for blending history with the supernatural.
Janie Chang’s Unforgettable Stories
Chang’s novels are a masterful blend of historical fiction and fantasy, drawing from her family’s 36 generations of recorded genealogy. Three Souls (2013) follows Leiyin, a young woman in 1935 China who, as a ghost, reflects on her life’s choices amid social upheaval. It’s a poignant tale of regret and redemption, earning a finalist spot for the 2014 BC Book Prizes Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize. Dragon Springs Road (2017) transports readers to 1908 Shanghai, where Jialing, a Eurasian orphan, navigates prejudice with the guidance of a wise fox spirit. This bestseller showcases Chang’s ability to weave folklore with themes of identity and resilience.
The Library of Legends (2020), a Globe and Mail bestseller, is perhaps her most ambitious work. Set during the 1937 Japanese invasion of China, it follows students tasked with protecting a 500-year-old collection of myths while fleeing Nanking. The novel intertwines romance, danger, and awakened guardian spirits, earning praise for its vivid historical detail and magical realism. Most recently, The Porcelain Moon (2023) explores the forgotten history of Chinese laborers in WWI France, while The Phoenix Crown (2024), co-authored with Kate Quinn, dives into 1906 San Francisco’s Chinatown. Chang’s lyrical prose and focus on marginalized voices make her stories both timeless and timely.
Why Janie Chang Matters
Janie Chang’s work resonates because it bridges cultures and eras, giving voice to the overlooked—Eurasian orphans, Chinese laborers, and women defying tradition. Her novels not only entertain but also preserve Chinese folklore and history, making them accessible to global readers. By spotlighting lesser-known historical moments, like the evacuation of Chinese universities during WWII, she educates while enchanting. Her influence extends beyond books; as the founder of Authors for Indies, she championed Canada’s independent bookstores, fostering literary communities. Chang’s storytelling continues to inspire readers to embrace their heritage and imagine the impossible.
- Born: Taiwan
- Key Works: Three Souls, Dragon Springs Road, The Library of Legends, The Porcelain Moon, The Phoenix Crown
- Awards: Finalist for 2014 BC Book Prizes, longlisted for International Dublin Literary Award
- Fun Fact: Chang’s family history spans 36 generations!
Ready to lose yourself in Janie Chang’s spellbinding worlds? Grab The Library of Legends and embark on a journey where history and myth collide!