Heel Print

About the Book

Heel Print is a biographic novel based on the story of the life of an ordinary rural Chinese woman, Yi-qing Dong. Yi-qing was betrothed to a village boy at the age of seven. Her parents bound her feet to please her future husband, just as he was beginning to discover the modern values developing beyond the countryside. Against great odds, this blind marriage turned out to be a fortuitous match of kindred spirits. Unfortunately, Yi-qing’s husband, a patriotic military officer, was killed at the age of thirty-one, leaving her alone to raise five children on a barren land where she faced various physical, financial, political, and social challenges. Yi-qing’s personal experience during these turbulent times in China provides a glimpse into the mystery and complexities of human nature.

About the Author

Ailiang Xie, MD, PhD, is Yi-qing’s fi fth child. She was born in front of her deceased father’s portrait, with her mother hoping to give her father a son. When Ailiang turned out to be a girl, Yi-qing abandoned her out of disappointment. This unwanted baby girl is now telling the story of her mother’s life. Ailiang is currently working at the University of Wisconsin as a senior scientist. She has published many short stories, scientifi c papers and several books. Heel Print is her fi rst full-length literary book in English.

Ben Dempsey, B.S., is currently studying psychology at the University of Wisconsin. Heel Print is a joint project of Ben Dempsey and Ailiang’s.