A Heart To Survive: first Novel in the Collingwood Series
by George Fillis
"Even in the worst circumstances, if you believe in yourself, you will find the heart to survive."
A gripping tale of hardships, resilience, and passion, A Heart To Survive not only explores the depth of human emotions but drives home the bitter realities of racism in 1950s Canada.
It tells the story of fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the upstanding son of an educated Chinese family, forced to leave his home country for Canada to escape the terrors of Mao's regime. As a foreigner in a country whose people, language, and culture he doesn't know or understand, Wen Shun must decide how he will navigate the treacherous waters of this new land's racial disparities.
A superb piece of storytelling, A Heart To Survive takes readers on an epic journey into the historical past of two nations divided by culture and continents.
Inspired by real events and the remarkable story of a young Canadian woman who fell in love with a Chinese 'Paper Son.'
Reader Reviews
'It's an exciting read that is based on actual events and will have the reader eagerly anticipating the next novel in the series.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'It was full of suspense and action that left you on the edge of your seat. After reading each chapter, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It's a thriller, suspenseful yet love story plot that captured your heart.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'It is the first book in a trilogy. I could not put it down and cannot wait for the second book in January. Highly recommend!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Once I got started it I couldn't stop reading - can't wait to read the next book!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'This book is beautifully written. I think book clubs would especially like it because there are wonderful discussion questions at the end of the book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'A wonderful story filled with emotion.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Each brief chapter holds your attention, encouraging you to read on to see what happens next. The book is a quick read, which takes nothing away from its content or its message. I look forward with anticipation to the rest of the trilogy.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Incredible use of story is the "killer app" that touches both your mind and your heart simultaneously.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Emotionally engaging and compelling saga. Interwoven with suspense, tragedy, deception, loyalty, love, prejudice, and racism occurring through relationships, romance, human trafficking, and workplace injustices. We didn't want to put the book down.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'I could not put this book down. The book held my interest and the main character (Winson) is simply amazing.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'First-time author delivers a riveting read in A Heart to Survive, and is part one of an upcoming trilogy.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'This book is a captivating, thriller, and historical novel. Throughout this book Winston's struggles and positive outlook on life will keep you wanting to read more.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
A gripping tale of hardships, resilience, and passion, A Heart To Survive not only explores the depth of human emotions but drives home the bitter realities of racism in 1950s Canada.
It tells the story of fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the upstanding son of an educated Chinese family, forced to leave his home country for Canada to escape the terrors of Mao's regime. As a foreigner in a country whose people, language, and culture he doesn't know or understand, Wen Shun must decide how he will navigate the treacherous waters of this new land's racial disparities.
A superb piece of storytelling, A Heart To Survive takes readers on an epic journey into the historical past of two nations divided by culture and continents.
Inspired by real events and the remarkable story of a young Canadian woman who fell in love with a Chinese 'Paper Son.'
Reader Reviews
'It's an exciting read that is based on actual events and will have the reader eagerly anticipating the next novel in the series.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'It was full of suspense and action that left you on the edge of your seat. After reading each chapter, I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. It's a thriller, suspenseful yet love story plot that captured your heart.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'It is the first book in a trilogy. I could not put it down and cannot wait for the second book in January. Highly recommend!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Once I got started it I couldn't stop reading - can't wait to read the next book!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'This book is beautifully written. I think book clubs would especially like it because there are wonderful discussion questions at the end of the book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'A wonderful story filled with emotion.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Each brief chapter holds your attention, encouraging you to read on to see what happens next. The book is a quick read, which takes nothing away from its content or its message. I look forward with anticipation to the rest of the trilogy.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Incredible use of story is the "killer app" that touches both your mind and your heart simultaneously.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'Emotionally engaging and compelling saga. Interwoven with suspense, tragedy, deception, loyalty, love, prejudice, and racism occurring through relationships, romance, human trafficking, and workplace injustices. We didn't want to put the book down.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'I could not put this book down. The book held my interest and the main character (Winson) is simply amazing.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'First-time author delivers a riveting read in A Heart to Survive, and is part one of an upcoming trilogy.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
'This book is a captivating, thriller, and historical novel. Throughout this book Winston's struggles and positive outlook on life will keep you wanting to read more.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
