Mongol Healer: A Novel

The derogatory Mandarin phrase Ménggǔ dàifu, Mongol healer, means charlatan. It is what a celebrated qigong master calls his quiet neighbor, Grandma Wú. He has status, credentials, and devoted followers. Wú has none of these, and yet people find healing in her presence.

A young Chinese American yoga teacher named Natalie appears at Wú’s door, weary and searching. Wú recognizes a familiar ache, and her story offers a balm: betrayals of the Cultural Revolution, exile to Inner Mongolia, and yet the courage to keep one’s heart open.

From the unforgiving steppes to modern Beijing, Mongol Healer is a literary journey through trauma, the abuse of power, resilience, and wisdom passed from generation to generation.