Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer

A Healer's Journey Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer

Set during the Ming dynasty four centuries ago, Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer's debut novel follows the moving story of 13-year-old Weilin's escape from the slave-like conditions of building the Great Wall of China for the pursuit of a more rewarding life. The sacrifice of Weilin's beloved "mama," who taught him to survive and encouraged him to set bravely off into the wilderness, sustains him as he wanders. The challenges he must overcome mold his character to one of humility, kindness and integrity. Ms. Schlaepfer infuses her narrative with details about the culture, customs and medical practices during the Ming dynasty - an era corresponding to the settling of Plymouth and Jamestown in America. The story of Weilin illustrates that life may be difficult, but it also may be well lived.