Our Story
- Description
- Info
Begun by the author when he was eighty-seven years old and mourning the loss of his wife, Our Story is a graphic memoir like no other: a celebration of a marriage that spanned the twentieth century in China, told in vibrant, original paintings and prose.
Rao Pingru was twenty-four-year-old soldier when he was reintroduced to Mao Meitang, a girl he’d known in childhood and now the woman his father had arranged for him to marry. One glimpse of her through a window as she put on lipstick was enough to capture Pingru’s heart: a moment that sparked a union that would last almost sixty years.
Our Story is Pingru and Meitang’s epic but unassuming romance. It follows the couple through the decades, in both poverty and good fortune—looking for work, opening a restaurant, moving cities, mending shoes, raising their children, and being separated for seventeen years by the government when Pingru is sent to a labor camp. As the pair ages, China undergoes extraordinary growth, political turmoil, and cultural change. When Meitang passes away in 2008, Pingru memorializes his wife and their relationship the only way he knows how: through painting. In an outpouring of love and grief, he puts it all on paper. Spanning 1922 through 2008, Our Story is a tales of enduring love and simple values that is at once tragic and inspiring: an old-fashioned story that unfolds in a nation undergoing cataclysmic change.
(With gorgeous full-color illustrations throughout, and a distinctive exposed spine emulating the original Chinese design.)
Exclusively available at 1889 Trading Co. inside the Chinese Canadian Museum.
Free shipping on orders over $100
FAQ
Ordering & Payment
HOW CAN I PLACE AN ORDER?
To place an order, simply browse through our collection, select the items you wish to purchase, and add them to your cart. Proceed to checkout, provide the necessary information, and complete the payment process.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay.
CAN I MODIFY OR CANCEL MY ORDER AFTER IT HAS BEEN PLACED?
Unfortunately, once an order has been confirmed and processed, we are unable to modify or cancel it. Please double-check your items and shipping information before completing your purchase.
Shipping & Delivery
HOW LONG DOES SHIPPING TAKE?
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days. Delivery times vary based on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout.
HOW DO I TRACK MY ORDER?
Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email.
WHAT IF MY PACKAGE IS DELAYED OR LOST?
Please reach out to us at info@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca and we’ll help resolve it with the shipping carrier.
CAN I PICK UP MY ORDER AT THE MUSEUM?
Yes! Choose the local pickup option at checkout. We’ll email you when your order is ready.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Unfortunately, we only ship within Canada. Shipping rates and delivery times may vary depending on your location.
Returns, Exchanges & Damages
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN AND EXCHANGE POLICY?
All sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges unless the item arrives damaged. Please double-check product details and sizing before placing your order.
WHAT IF MY ITEM ARRIVES DAMAGED?
Please contact us within 5 days of delivery at info@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca with your order number and clear photos of the damaged item and packaging. We’ll be happy to offer a replacement or refund.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY REFUND?
Refunds are processed within 5–7 business days after we receive your return.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to email us at info@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca or through Instagram DMs @1889tradingco. We will get back to you within 1–2 business days.
