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Review: Zenith of Tea - Apron Strings Tea Tales

Zenith of Tea book cover on blue background

Since Asian Heritage Month is the Canadian name for the month-long celebration in May, it makes sense to feature a book set in Canada.

Zenith of Tea by R.F. Whong (pen name for Ruth Wuwong) is a standalone novella in the Apron Strings Tea Tales series and it pretty much encapsulates who I am as a Chinese-Canadian Christian, featuring main characters who share the same identity and background.

I am thrilled to have discovered it and it makes me very grateful that Christian Bookstagram introduced this book to me. Inspired by The Nightingale, this story relays a dark moment in Canadian history while offering hope through Christ.

Book Synopsis

A cookbook, a glimmer of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

In the early 1920s, accomplished martial artist Wang Mijen is haunted by her past and the red birthmark that she believes prompted her family to abandon her at six. She survives by robbing ancient tombs and living in a cave concealed from the soldiers. When she saves Joseph Cheung, a Chinese Christian educated in Canada, from bandits, her insecurities whisper that such a man could never love an “ugly” girl like her.

Growing up in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Joseph experienced anti-Chinese prejudice. Still, he helps Mijen move to Canada to avoid danger. In Vancouver, amidst anti-Asian riots and the looming Chinese Exclusion Act, Joseph helps Mijen open a teahouse. As they work together to rescue young women trafficked into brothels in North America, Joseph’s unwavering faith and fight for equality challenge Mijen’s hardened heart.

From China to Canada, can Mijen and Joseph overcome their challenges, rediscover their identities, and open their hearts to each other?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is the Christian fiction book I've always wanted to read! It not only features Chinese characters from mainland China and those born overseas, it also takes place in Canada just before the Chinese Exclusion Act takes effect. Offering a Christian perspective on how Chinese-Canadians felt during this tumultuous and violent time, this book shares how the Chinese church helped community members face terrifying circumstances as a result of racism and discrimination. By incorporating details like the head tax and mounting restrictions from the Canadian government that kept families apart, it's surreal to think of how similar practices in the United States in 1882 played a role in influencing Canada to pass the same act in 1923. Being the sole ethnic group prohibited from immigrating to Canada for 24 years, I'm grateful that this story is being told to remind readers of Humiliation Day.

Beyond these dates and details, the heart of this book is that no matter what is happening in the world, what matters most is that we can find ultimate peace and reconciliation with God. Despite government systems and policies attempting to erase identity and culture, Zenith of Tea gently and firmly reminds us that our identity in Christ can never be taken away. Joseph and Mijen—while having vastly different backgrounds and upbringings—both represent how lost we are without God and His loving presence. It's such a testament to R.F. Whong (Ruth Wuwong) that she powerfully captures vivid emotions alongside in-depth expositions around worldviews and religious beliefs. The spiritual content is top-notch, with the Gospel conveyed in a patient and comprehensive manner. Any reader who is interested in how the Christian faith can thoroughly enter into diverse cultures will benefit from learning more about this bleak period of time in Canadian history.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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