Evelyn Lau, a Chinese-Canadian poet, author, and former Poet Laureate of Vancouver, was born on February 2, 1971, in Canada. Her childhood was tumultuous, marked by a strained relationship with her parents who pushed her to study medicine instead of pursuing her passion for writing.
At the age of fourteen, Lau ran away from home, seeking refuge from the oppressive environment. She found herself on the streets, facing homelessness, drug addiction, and prostitution. These experiences shaped her perspective and provided material for her later literary works.
Despite her tumultuous past, Lau found solace in writing. She began penning down her thoughts and emotions, eventually publishing her first poetry collection, "You are Not Who You Claim," which garnered critical acclaim. Her subsequent works, including "Oedipal Dreams" and "Living Under Plastic," further solidified her reputation as a talented poet.
Lau's personal life was equally tumultuous. She entered into a complicated relationship with W.P. Kinsella, a writing professor, which ultimately led to legal troubles due to a libel charge after she published an essay detailing their affair.
Despite the challenges in her personal life, Lau's career continued to flourish. In 2011, she was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Vancouver, a testament to her talent and dedication to the craft of poetry. Her memoir, "Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid," was adapted into a film starring actress Sandra Oh, further cementing her legacy in the literary world.
Evelyn Lau's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through her poetry and memoirs, she has shed light on issues such as addiction, homelessness, and familial struggles, resonating with readers around the world. Her unique voice continues to inspire aspiring writers and poets, reminding them of the power of storytelling.