{"title":"Susan Blumberg-Kason","description":"\u003cp\u003eSusan Blumberg-Kason is a celebrated author known for her intriguing insights into the rich tapestry of Asian culture and her compelling storytelling in the Biography \u0026amp; Memoir genre. Her works often explore the intricate dynamics of cross-cultural experiences, reflecting her own journey and connections with Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her notable books is \u003cem\u003eBernardine's Shanghai Salon\u003c\/em\u003e, where Blumberg-Kason delves into the captivating world of 1930s Shanghai. The book is a vivid exploration of the social and cultural life in one of the most cosmopolitan cities of its time. It showcases her adept skill at weaving personal tales with broader historical narratives, offering readers a glimpse into the past through intimate and engaging storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlumberg-Kason's writing is not only informative but also deeply personal, inviting readers to explore new perspectives and understand the world through fresh eyes. Her ability to bring to life distant eras and far-off places with warmth and authenticity makes her a stand-out author in the memoir and biography categories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're captivated by stories of cultural intersections or the allure of historical settings, Susan Blumberg-Kason's books offer a gateway to enriching narratives and unforgettable experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bernardines-shanghai-salon-by-susan-blumberg-kason-9798888450314","title":"Bernardine's Shanghai Salon","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeet the Jewish salon host in 1930s Shanghai who brought together Chinese and expats around the arts as civil war erupted and World War II loomed on the horizon.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBernardine's Shanghai Salon\u003c\/i\u003e tells the story of Bernardine Szold Fritz, who arrived in Shanghai in 1929 to marry her fourth husband. Only thirty-three years old, she found herself in a time and place like no other, where political intrigue and scandal lurked on every street corner. Art Deco cinemas showed the latest Hollywood flicks, while dancehall owners and jazz musicians turned Shanghai into Asia’s top nightlife destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet from the night of their wedding, Bernardine’s new husband did not live up to his promises. Instead of feeling sorry for herself or leaving Shanghai, Bernardine decided to create a place for herself. Like other Jewish women before her, she started a salon in her home, drawing famous names from the world of politics, the arts, and the intelligentsia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShe introduced Emily Hahn, the charismatic opium-smoking writer for \u003ci\u003eThe New Yorker\u003c\/i\u003e, to the flamboyant hotelier Sir Victor Sassoon and legendary poet Sinmay Zau. And when Hollywood stars Anna May Wong, Charlie Chaplin, and Claudette Colbert passed through Shanghai, Bernardine organized gatherings to introduce them to their Shanghai contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Bernardine’s salon could not accommodate all who wanted to attend, she founded the International Arts Theater to produce avant-garde plays, ballets, lectures, and visual arts exhibits, often pushing audiences beyond their comfort zones. As civil war brewed and World War II soon followed, Bernardine’s devotion to the arts and the people of Shanghai brought joy to the city just before it would change forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46626909192428,"sku":"9798888450314","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6656873488913.jpg?v=1751874069"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/susan-blumberg-kason.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}