Thriving in the Margins: History from a Woman's Perspective

The Strength of Water by Karin K. Jensen vividly illuminates her mother's journey from 1920s Detroit to wartime China — and back — in a powerful memoir of identity, survival, and new-world dreams. Karin will discuss how life, meaning, and dignity are built inside spaces and circumstances never designed for flourishing—immigrant laundries, racial exclusion, gendered expectations, and poverty. Thriving in these circumstances does not always look like visibility, power, or ease; often it looks like adaptation, persistence, and resilience. The Strength of Water is "A classic, vividly writen immigrant saga" (Kirkus Reviews).

The Bereaved and Silence, two historical novels by Julia Park Tracey, are based on her own genealogical research into her female ancestors. In her novels, Julia shows how women survived at the edges of mainstream society when they did not fit the mold, and how laws hemmed in women's power and disregarded their steadfast love for their children. Whether by disenfranchising women, separating them from their children, or silencing women, the patriarchal societies of the past still resonate in today's world. The Bereaved is "a beautifully written, well-researched and compelling book that will keep readers rushing to the end" (Historical Novel Society). Silence is "historically astute anad a compelling must-read" (Kirkus Reviews).

Refreshments served after the 45-minute talk.

Books will be available for purchase and author signing. With high praise from both critics and readers, these books are not to be missed!

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Host or Publisher San Leandro Historical Society