The Power of True Love

True love conquers all, argues Kelli Estes in her novel The Girl Who Wrote in Silk. True love comes in two forms in the novel – romantic and familial. Both are very important, and both have tremendous consequences for Mei Lien especially.

True familial love leads Mei Lien to reveal to her father what she has overheard on the Prince of the Pacific about the plans to kill all the people on board. This leads her father to throwing her off the ship in order to save her. Because of this act of familial love, Mei Lien survives drowning, as Joseph picks her up on his way home. Mei Lin and Joseph fall in love and marry despite the social pressure against such a union. They cling to one another, and despite social disfavor, they have a wonderful life and have a son...