When the Sea Turned to Silver

Lin’s background plays a pivotal role in shaping the themes and storytelling in When the Sea Turned Silver. Born in 1974 to Taiwanese immigrants in upstate New York, Lin often felt the weight of growing up between two cultures. This experience of cultural duality dramatically influences her work, including When the Sea Turned Silver, which is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and mythology. Lin has stated that as a child, she did not see herself reflected in the stories she read, which inspired her to write books that would allow young Asian-American readers to connect with their heritage (Amberg, Amy. “Grace Lin of Diversity and Inclusion.” Writer’s Rumpus, 2022). This desire to bridge cultures is evident in how Lin intertwines ancient Chinese myths with universal themes of bravery, family, and self-discovery. Lin details her experiences in The Year of the Dog (2005) and Gene Luen Yang details similar struggles in the young adult graphic novel American Born Chinese (2006).

Taiwan is heavily influenced by Chinese folklore, language, and culture due to its deep historical and cultural ties with mainland China (“History of Taiwan.” Life of Taiwan). For centuries, waves of migration from China, particularly from Fujian and Guangdong provinces, brought Chinese traditions, language, and beliefs to Taiwan. The island was part of the Qing Dynasty until 1895, further cementing these connections. Even after Taiwan’s political separation from China in 1949, the cultural heritage, including folklore, Confucian values, and the Mandarin language, remained deeply rooted, shaping Taiwan’s identity and its artistic, social, and spiritual practices.

Lin notes her Taiwanese heritage in various ways in When the Sea Turned Silver, like using the Taiwanese word for grandmother, Amah, rather than the Mandarin nǎi nai. However, Amah can also mean “old woman” in Mandarin, highlighting the fluidity and overlap between Taiwanese and Chinese linguistic traditions. This subtle choice reflects the blending of Taiwanese and Chinese cultures, emphasizing how language carries layered meanings and regional nuances. Lin’s use of Amah not only nods to her Taiwanese roots but also connects her characters to broader Chinese cultural themes, illustrating the intertwined nature of the two identities.

Lin’s education at the Rhode Island School of Design gave her the technical skills and artistic vision that shine through her writing and illustrations. When the Sea Turned Silver is rich in visual storytelling, much like her previous works, and reflects Lin’s artistic background. Her illustrations mirror traditional Chinese art forms and create a layered narrative experience that reinforces the folk-tale atmosphere.

Personal tragedy also shaped Lin’s creative path. Her first husband, Robert Mercer, passed away from cancer in 2007, a loss that deeply impacted her storytelling. In When the Sea Turned Silver, themes of loss, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling are woven throughout the narrative. Lin notes that her husband’s death influenced When the Sea Turned Silver by encouraging Lin to focus on how stories are a form of immortality.