{"product_id":"forget-me-madame-qian-xiuling-the-belgian-schindler-9781913891459","title":"Forget Me: Madame Qian Xiuling-The Belgian Schindler","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn in 1912, Qian Xiuling displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age. Inspired by the achievements of Marie Curie, she departed China at the age of 17, earning a dual doctorate in physics and chemistry from the University of Louvain. During her time there, she courageously broke off an arranged engagement to marry Dr. Grégoire de Perlinghi, a physician of Greek-Russian descent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheir plans for a life in China were disrupted by the Japanese invasion, leading them to settle in Herbeumont, where World War II unfolded around them. Qian Xiuling's life took a remarkable turn as she emerged as a savior for over a hundred hostages, primarily from Écaussinnes. She skillfully advocated for their cause with General von Falkenhausen, the military governor of Belgium, leveraging a connection through her cousin, a Kuomintang general. Her efforts earned her the Belgian Reconnaissance Medal 1940-1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite facing scrutiny for defending von Falkenhausen before the War Council and averting a death sentence, Qian Xiuling was unable to fulfill her dream of a scientific career. However, she would go on to become the proprietor of Brussels' most prestigious Chinese restaurant, a path that showcased her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Balestier Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50459592196370,"sku":"9781913891459","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_21accdf7-691d-491f-8560-dc18f4075ada.jpg?v=1729990865","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/forget-me-madame-qian-xiuling-the-belgian-schindler-9781913891459","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}