The World of Nancy Kwan: A Memoir by Hollywood’s Asian Superstar

Kwan’s resilient spirit shines throughout this memoir, written with Deborah Davis. Her journey to Hollywood fame and beyond is genuinely absorbing. At first she was serious about a career in ballet, but Kwan’s path quickly diverged toward acting as she earned famed roles in The World of Suzie Wong (1960) and Flower Drum Song (1961). Her honest depiction of Hollywood is filled with stories of celebrity figures and industry-related glamour. Still, she is also clear about its downsides, including individual obstacles that she faced, as well as the pervasive stereotyping of Asians on screen. Eventually, Kwan opted to explore new horizons in the States but also in Europe and Asia—as an actor, producer, director, and writer. She details the resulting rewards and challenges in her professional and private life. A skilled storyteller, her anecdotes are carefully chosen and well-told—each defining her vibrant essence and artistic and personal achievements. Deftly interwoven cultural and historical details give this narrative a rich context.