Bette Bao Lord, who was born in Shanghai and later moved to the United States, has forged an influential path as a cultural ambassador through her writings. Her life story bridges the gap between traditional Chinese upbringing and modern American society. From her early years to her career as a writer, Lord's journey offers a unique perspective on navigating and integrating two distinct worlds.

Early Life and Family Background

Bette Bao Lord's roots extend deeply into both intellectual and professional spheres. Her maternal lineage boasted prominent scholars, while her father, Sandys Bao, was an engineer educated in both China and England. He served in the Nationalist Chinese government before the family relocated to the United States in 1946.

That year, Sandys Bao was assigned to New York City, and soon after, his wife and their two eldest daughters, Bette and Cathy, joined him. Bette was then eight years old, and Cathy was just four. The youngest daughter, Sansan, was left in China with an aunt due to political uncertainties that later prevented the family's return after Mao Zedong's rise to power in 1949.

Adapting to a New Home

Resettling in Brooklyn presented challenges as the Bao family navigated the cultural divide between their Chinese traditions and the new American way of life. However, the children quickly adapted to their surroundings. Prioritizing education, the family moved to East Patterson and subsequently to Teaneck, New Jersey, for better schooling.

Bette thrived academically and later attended Tufts University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. It was here that she met Winston Lord, her future husband. Her educational journey laid a solid foundation for her later work as a writer and cultural commentator.

Reunion and A New Beginning

When travel restrictions eased, the Bao family seized the chance to reunite with Sansan, bringing her to Hong Kong in 1962. This emotional reunion was followed by Bette's marriage to Winston Lord, marking another chapter in her life.

The Accidental Start of a Writing Career

Bette Bao Lord's writing career began serendipitously at a social gathering, where her sister's experiences were shared with a publisher intrigued by the personal narrative of China during the Communist era. Unable to secure a Chinese collaborator for this project, Lord took on the challenge herself. She translated and expanded upon Sansan’s story, which eventually became Eighth Moon, published in 1964—the same year her daughter Elizabeth was born.

The book resonated widely, offering Western readers a rare glimpse into life in mid-20th century China, and was translated into fifteen languages.

Diplomatic Ties and Literary Success

As Winston Lord embarked on a diplomatic career, advancing to significant roles including aiding Henry Kissinger with President Nixon’s historic visit to China, Bette joined him on trips back to her homeland. Her 1973 visit was particularly poignant, allowing her to reconnect with family she hadn’t seen since childhood.

Though initially intending to write a factual account of her experiences for Harper and Row, concerns for her relatives’ safety led Bette to craft a novel, Spring Moon, a sweeping epic centering on the House of Chang from the twilight of the Manchu Empire through the Cultural Revolution. Through her protagonist, Spring Moon, Lord explored China’s vast historical and cultural landscapes, echoing themes of family and tradition.

Further Literary Contributions

In 1984, Lord diverged into children's literature with The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson . This charming novel tells the story of an eight-year-old girl’s journey from China to Brooklyn, mirroring Lord’s own childhood experiences. The young protagonist navigates cultural assimilation, ultimately celebrating both her Chinese heritage and newfound American experiences,...