Bound with Love- Letters Home from China 1935-1945 is a gem of a book. The letters here are extracted from about 1000 letters written from China between 1935 and 1945 by the editor’s parents, Ronald and Gwyneth, to their parents in England.
In 1928 Ronald experienced a call from God calling him to go as a medical missionary to China. He undertook accelerated medical studies and qualified as a doctor. He married Gwyneth and went as a medical missionary with the Baptist Missionary Society.
In 1935 there were about 3500 Protestant missionaries of all denominations in China. Over a hundred were sent by the BMS.
The plan was for Ronald to spend 7 years in China. Due to the Japanese invasion of China, he spent close to 10 years, 8 years under Japanese occupation and 3 years in internment in Shanghai.
Through these letters we are given a vivid picture of life in China during those times. These letters brilliantly captured and conveyed to us readers a front seat row of lufe in Shangtung, China circa 1935- 1945.
Audrey Salters have annotated most of these letters and provided us with useful background information.
A wonderful book to savour and reflect on a time when the west and China shared a common humanity unsullied by politicians.
Lwh @ Windermere, Lake District, England
20 July 2024