The Flow of Time and Reflection: "Haha! Britain" Comes to Cambridge

Join us in the heart of Cambridge for the vibrant launch of Haha! Britain, a pioneering bilingual anthology that brings together 42 Chinese authors to reflect on the joys, struggles, and cultural collisions of life in the UK.

Curated by The Mothers’ Bridge of Love (MBL) and River Cam Breeze, this collection shatters the silence with humour, wit, and heartfelt storytelling. From laugh-out-loud anecdotes to moving personal narratives, Haha! Britain offers an authentic snapshot of the Chinese diaspora experience in Britain.

A deeply collaborative effort, the book showcases 37 translators, working under the guidance of top British and Chinese publishing editors. The cover design, supported by Feng Tang, reflects the dynamic spirit of the collection, while the calligraphy by Qu Leilei pays tribute to the rich literary heritage of the Chinese diasporaThis launch is deeply meaningful as Cambridge is not only the home of River Cam Breeze but also a historic hub for overseas Chinese literature. Hosting the launch here honours the city's legacy and highlights the bridge between cultures that this anthology so vividly brings to life.

Lucia Winsor Room,Newnham College, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge CB3 9DF

• Opening Remarks

Winnie Cao 曹锦玥– Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and China Desk Lead at Blick Rothenberg. Deputy Editor of River Cam Breeze and co-writer of the book’s foreword.

• Host

Xiang Yu Sheng 盛湘渝- Chief Editor of River Cam Breeze, Environmental Scientist.

• Panelist

Julia Lovell 蓝诗玲 — British scholar, author, and translator whose non-fiction books focus on China. Lovell is professor of Modern Chinese History and Literature at Birkbeck, University of London.

Roel Sterckx 胡司德 — Flemish-British sinologist, anthropologist, Chinese history, science and civillization professor at Cambridge University

Wei Sun 孙伟 — Cambridge Chinese Community Centre Chairmen, Technology Expert

Qun Yang 杨群 — UKCWC Chairwomen, Entrepreneur

Lin Yue 岳琳 — EDI Champion, Financial Sector Senior Executive

Following the discussion, guests will have the chance to meet the authors, translators, and contributors behind Haha! Britain. A group photo will capture this literary moment, marking a milestone in British Chinese storytelling.

Books will be available for purchase, with authors present for signings—an opportunity to connect with those who have shared their personal reflections in this remarkable anthology.

As poet Du Fu once wrote:

“In a foreign land, I bring forth the colours of spring;

From my homeland, I greet the hearts of distant guests.”

This event is more than just a book launch—it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and shared experiences. Through humour, reflection, and storytelling, Haha! Britain amplifies voices that have long remained unheard.

Reserve your place now and be part of this landmark conversation!

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