The Dutch version of Forget Me is published in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on Aug 17. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
A launch ceremony for the Dutch version of Forget Me was held in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on Aug 17.
It tells the story of Qian Xiuling, a native of Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province, who lived in Belgium and saved 110 Belgians from the Nazis during World War II. After World War II ended, the King of Belgium awarded her a national medal.
Editor-in-charge of Borgerhoff & Lamberigts signs autographs for readers of Forget Me. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
It took the author Xu Feng 16 years to retell the story of the Wuxi native's growth and legendary experiences by visiting her descendants and old friends and acquaintances.
Published in April 2021, the Chinese version was well received. As a result, the Chinese embassy in Belgium encouraged Chinese publisher Yilin Press to cooperate with Belgium-based publishing house Borgerhoff & Lamberigts to publish the Dutch version of Forget Me.
Two readers show off the autographed Dutch version of Forget Me at the launch ceremony. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Cao Zhongming, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, said at the launch ceremony that the story is about Chinese and Belgian people helping each other.
Cao noted that in addition to Qian's great deeds, the book also portrays the crucial role played by Qian's cousin Qian Zhuolun in saving these Belgians.
The head of Belgium-base Éditions M.E.O., which is responsible for the publishing of the French version, said that Forget Me tells a touching story and he expects French readers will read the book in the first half of 2023.