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Collingwood #1
A Heart To Survive
“The Collingwood Series is Canadian historical fiction at its best…Readers are in for an extraordinary read that blends a coming-of-age experience with a window into Canadian culture, race relations of the 1950s, romance, and a young immigrant's ability to persevere against all odds.” - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
During the 1950s, 14-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the trustworthy son of an educated Chinese family, flees China, leaving his home and family behind — but what awaits him in Canada?
Nothing could prepare Wen Shun for the unexpected challenges he experiences in this compelling novel inspired by actual events. Book one in a series that takes readers on an epic journey into the historical past of two nations divided by culture and continents.
Fans of Celeste Ng’s Our Missing Hearts and Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.
During the 1950s, 14-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the trustworthy son of an educated Chinese family, flees China, leaving his home and family behind — but what awaits him in Canada?
Nothing could prepare Wen Shun for the unexpected challenges he experiences in this compelling novel inspired by actual events. Book one in a series that takes readers on an epic journey into the historical past of two nations divided by culture and continents.
Fans of Celeste Ng’s Our Missing Hearts and Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2020
583 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
George Fillis
5 books3 followersGeorge Fillis is the internationally published author of the Collingwood Series. A graduate of Trinity University, he lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Karen. He discovered his passion for writing after careers in securities, real estate, and biotech. Inspired by travels to China and Canada, he heard a remarkable love story about a ‘paper son,’ which was the seed for the Collingwood Series.
“The Collingwood Series is Canadian historical fiction at its best.” - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
Fans of Lisa See and Celeste Ng will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love. It is recommended that these books be read in chronological order.
“The Collingwood Series is Canadian historical fiction at its best.” - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
Fans of Lisa See and Celeste Ng will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love. It is recommended that these books be read in chronological order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 8, 2020
In this sharp-edged, dark historical drama, a young Chinese boy’s attempt at a normal life in Canada crumbles after he falls prey to a human trafficking ring.
It’s the peak of the civil war in China. With Mao Zedong’s rebel forces gaining momentum, fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun is forced to board a ship to Canada by his family to escape the terrors of Mao’s regime. But instead of a Chinese family awaiting him on the other side, he finds himself trapped in the clutches of a human trafficking ring.
Fillis skillfully chronicles Wen’s courageous ascent to liberation, imbuing his story with a sense of claustrophobia and hope. Wen Shun is gutsy, resourceful, and keen to help others, and his journey to freedom is inspiring as he remains standing tall in the face of the relentless difficulties life throw his way.
Crisp prose, the affecting first-person narrative, and tension-filled, tight plotting keep the readers turning pages nonstop. The conclusion is left unresolved, leaving readers excited for the next installment.
Paired with the atmospheric setting, the exploration of the themes of human trafficking, racial discrimination, and individual struggles makes for a thoroughly engrossing coming of age tale.
It’s the peak of the civil war in China. With Mao Zedong’s rebel forces gaining momentum, fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun is forced to board a ship to Canada by his family to escape the terrors of Mao’s regime. But instead of a Chinese family awaiting him on the other side, he finds himself trapped in the clutches of a human trafficking ring.
Fillis skillfully chronicles Wen’s courageous ascent to liberation, imbuing his story with a sense of claustrophobia and hope. Wen Shun is gutsy, resourceful, and keen to help others, and his journey to freedom is inspiring as he remains standing tall in the face of the relentless difficulties life throw his way.
Crisp prose, the affecting first-person narrative, and tension-filled, tight plotting keep the readers turning pages nonstop. The conclusion is left unresolved, leaving readers excited for the next installment.
Paired with the atmospheric setting, the exploration of the themes of human trafficking, racial discrimination, and individual struggles makes for a thoroughly engrossing coming of age tale.
December 8, 2020
Human trafficking, racial disparity, resilience, and courage mark Fillis’s earnest series kicker in the historical fiction series.
With the civil war in full swing and Mao Zedong’s ruthless control of the nation, fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the upstanding son of an educated family, is sent aboard a sailing ship to live as the paper-son to a Chinese family in Canada. After a harrowing sea voyage, Tao finds himself in the clutches of a human trafficking gang, and escape doesn’t seem like an option.
The world Fillis creates, be it the disquiet of a Chinese town of Hangzhou or the searing discrimination of a Canadian city, is both complex and authentic. The warm, grounded romance toward the end comes out as a pleasant surprise.
Although the novel tackles various complex themes, including human trafficking, racial discrimination, young love, and a teenager’s coming of age story, Fillis’s expert execution of the plot and sharp cultural observations make it a gratifying read.
With the civil war in full swing and Mao Zedong’s ruthless control of the nation, fourteen-year-old Tao Wen Shun, the upstanding son of an educated family, is sent aboard a sailing ship to live as the paper-son to a Chinese family in Canada. After a harrowing sea voyage, Tao finds himself in the clutches of a human trafficking gang, and escape doesn’t seem like an option.
The world Fillis creates, be it the disquiet of a Chinese town of Hangzhou or the searing discrimination of a Canadian city, is both complex and authentic. The warm, grounded romance toward the end comes out as a pleasant surprise.
Although the novel tackles various complex themes, including human trafficking, racial discrimination, young love, and a teenager’s coming of age story, Fillis’s expert execution of the plot and sharp cultural observations make it a gratifying read.
December 14, 2020
The principal character in this novel is Winson, a 14-year-old boy torn from his loving home because of the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s. Winson finds himself at the lowest point in his life on board a freighter bound for Canada where he is forced to work shoveling coal to power the ship’s steam engines. The author has used the symbolism of a soul that has entered the depths of hell with the heat and stench and temptations to surrender to the baser instincts. There he must make a life-changing decision: either give in to the injustices he will inevitably encounter or find the character to prevail no matter the odds against him. Throughout the rest of the novel, Winson uses the lessons learned on board the ship to confront the hardships he faces whether from a human-trafficking gang or from the prejudices of the 1950s. It’s an exciting read that is based on actual events and will have the reader eagerly anticipating the next novel in the series.
December 12, 2020
A Heart to Survive, by first-time author George Fillis, is part one of an upcoming trilogy.
Tao Wen Shun, wrenched from his boyhood home in China during Mao Tse-tung’s rise to power, is shipped to Canada. The lead character’s encounters and adventures from boyhood to young adulthood make for an absorbing read.
Each brief chapter holds your attention, encouraging you to read on to see what happens next. Fillis deals nicely with many themes that run through the book, notably, immigration, bigotry, prejudice, and racism, which are just as relevant in today’s world as they were when the events in the book took place 60 or 70 years ago.
The book is a quick read, which takes nothing away from its content or its message. I look forward with anticipation to the rest of the trilogy.
Tao Wen Shun, wrenched from his boyhood home in China during Mao Tse-tung’s rise to power, is shipped to Canada. The lead character’s encounters and adventures from boyhood to young adulthood make for an absorbing read.
Each brief chapter holds your attention, encouraging you to read on to see what happens next. Fillis deals nicely with many themes that run through the book, notably, immigration, bigotry, prejudice, and racism, which are just as relevant in today’s world as they were when the events in the book took place 60 or 70 years ago.
The book is a quick read, which takes nothing away from its content or its message. I look forward with anticipation to the rest of the trilogy.
November 24, 2020
A wonderful story filled with emotion and the struggle to survive by taking one step at a time. As Tao Wen Shun (Winson) moves forward on his journey he honors his family’s culture and yet finds himself looking to adapt to each new situation that he faces. In a world that is condemning him for the color of his skin he keeps his tact and is immensely careful in his words and actions when it would be easier to lash out. I look forward to the next book in this series to see how he overcomes obstacles and perseveres. At a time when our modern world is still struggling with racial tensions, this book reminds us how far we have come………with certainly much more to go.
November 25, 2020
I could not put this book down. This historical novel is about the plight of human trafficking victims and how one of those victims (Tao Wen Shun or Winson) went through heart wrenching experience of separation from his family and entrance into a tumultuous new world. The storyline takes you from late 1940’s Chinese society (engulfed in a bloody civil war) to a Canadian society where Winson is judged based on his color of skin and racial background.
The book held my interest and the main character (Winson) is simply amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens next to Winson and other characters in this wonderful story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The book held my interest and the main character (Winson) is simply amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens next to Winson and other characters in this wonderful story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 31, 2020
A Heart to Survive touched my heart deeply. The journey of a young boy forced to leave his loving, tight-knit family and build an incredible resolve to survive on his own.
Mr. Fillis leads the reader through an amazing journey that begins mid-twentieth century in China. Sometimes, painful to read and imagine that human beings can be so cruel. Other times, reminds the reader how precious life is and how important it is to treasure everything we have, no matter how little. Difficult to put the book down, more difficult to stop thinking about it. Hopefully, there will be a continuation soon.
Mr. Fillis leads the reader through an amazing journey that begins mid-twentieth century in China. Sometimes, painful to read and imagine that human beings can be so cruel. Other times, reminds the reader how precious life is and how important it is to treasure everything we have, no matter how little. Difficult to put the book down, more difficult to stop thinking about it. Hopefully, there will be a continuation soon.
December 2, 2020
I liked this book very much. With the beginning of a Civil War in China, Wen Shun (a 14-year-old boy) is forced by his parents to leave his country for his own safety. Little did they know the hazardous travails their son would experience on the journey to a new life in Canada. Wen Shun faced fear, hardship, and racial discrimination with courage and resourcefulness. This book is beautifully written. I think book clubs would especially like it because there are wonderful discussion questions at the end of the book.
Want to read
November 25, 2020Heart to Survive is a fascinating story about character and discrimination in mid 20th century. This book enlightened me about the hardships of Chinese immigration in Canada in the not so distant past. The topic was well researched and brought to life through the struggles and triumphs of the main character and the people who he encountered in his journey to a new life in Canada. Once I got started it I couldn't stop reading - can't wait to read the next book!
November 26, 2020
This book was phenomenal!! It was full of suspense and action that left you on the edge of your seat. After reading each chapter, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. It’s a thriller, suspenseful yet love story plot that captured your heart. The author did a great job writing this book that was full of real like imagination. I can’t wait to read the next the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone!!!!!!
November 30, 2020
This book opened my eyes to the plight of human trafficking victims from China in the 1950’s. The main character, Winson, is plucked out of his home in China and thrust into the unforgiving Canadian environment and a cruel, socially unjust society. Winson’s resiliency is challenged every step of the way. I was as equally captivated by the cast of memorable characters as I was by the historical context. This is a great book all around.
January 9, 2024
This book is a captivating, thriller, and historical novel. Throughout this book Winston’s struggles and positive outlook on life will keep you wanting to read more. As you learn more about his life story and family situations, the events he endowered were based off of global hardships. This book left me wanting more after each chapter. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I can’t wait for George’s new book in the upcoming series!!
November 24, 2020
This historical novel by George Fillis is about the journey of a young Chinese man who escapes to Canada and the prejudice and hardships he faces. It is the first book in a trilogy. I could not put it down and cannot wait for the second book in January. Highly recommend!7
December 7, 2020
Emotionally engaging and compelling saga. Interwoven with suspense, tragedy, deception, loyalty, love, prejudice, and racism occurring through relationships, romance, human trafficking, and workplace injustices. We didn’t want to put the book down.
May 6, 2021
A Heart To Survive, historical fiction and coming-of-age novel, grabbed my attention from the first chapter! The main character, 14-year-old Tao Wen Shun (Winson), is forced to leave China for Canada. It was hard to put down as I was eager to know more about where Winson's journey was going to lead him and if it was going to have the ending he had hoped for. George Fillis' themes in the book are still very familiar in today's world - racism, discrimination, trafficking and made a wonderful book discussion for our book club. A great read and am looking forward to the second book in the Collingwood Series, An Unexpected Father!
May 16, 2021
A "Heart To Survive" and "An Unexpected Father book II" are fast moving, thought provoking historical novels that follow a young Winston from revolutionary China to a turn paging journey to Canada.
As Winston's story unfolds his character earns respect as he faces hardship, prejudice and racial hatred.
You grow to admire Winston as he faces adversity and wonder would you make the same choices? Interesting characters evolve both heartwarming and diabolical leaving the reader with both doubt and hope...
I am looking forward to book III in the Collingwood Series
A must read and an impressive first time author, George Fillis
Bravo!!!
As Winston's story unfolds his character earns respect as he faces hardship, prejudice and racial hatred.
You grow to admire Winston as he faces adversity and wonder would you make the same choices? Interesting characters evolve both heartwarming and diabolical leaving the reader with both doubt and hope...
I am looking forward to book III in the Collingwood Series
A must read and an impressive first time author, George Fillis
Bravo!!!
June 20, 2021
A beautiful story of life.
This is one of those books that keep you wondering what comes next. A story based on true historical events and comes over full of love courage compassion and feelings of heart. A lot of sorrow and pain in very difficult circumstances. A lot of hatred towards people of different colors. But still beautifully written and entertaining and the characters were well chosen and very strong people. I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people of different cultures.
This is one of those books that keep you wondering what comes next. A story based on true historical events and comes over full of love courage compassion and feelings of heart. A lot of sorrow and pain in very difficult circumstances. A lot of hatred towards people of different colors. But still beautifully written and entertaining and the characters were well chosen and very strong people. I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people of different cultures.
May 12, 2021
A heart to survive.
A Heart to Survive. A story about a young Chinese boy who was sent to Canada for safety from Mao It ended up describing about human trafficking and keeping them captive and overworked.!! Revealing more about racism and how he lived through it. Very well written with a happy ending.
Would recommend to any of my friends.
A Heart to Survive. A story about a young Chinese boy who was sent to Canada for safety from Mao It ended up describing about human trafficking and keeping them captive and overworked.!! Revealing more about racism and how he lived through it. Very well written with a happy ending.
Would recommend to any of my friends.
December 21, 2021
A true page turner that will take you through the spectrum of emotions as you follow the story. From trauma and treachery to love and inspiration, the first novel in the Collingwood Series brings to life the tale of an immigrants desire for survival and acceptance while away from home and family. Truly fascinating.
February 20, 2025
Enjoyed
I enjoyed reading this book and admire how the main character grew within his troubles. The ending was kind of abrupt and maybe just a little too “sweet” for me, I don’t care for much romance in my readings, but I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book and admire how the main character grew within his troubles. The ending was kind of abrupt and maybe just a little too “sweet” for me, I don’t care for much romance in my readings, but I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 11, 2022
Beautiful
A larger look at the world as experienced by a political refugee. Absolutely brilliant and inspirational! I am off to buy the next book!
A larger look at the world as experienced by a political refugee. Absolutely brilliant and inspirational! I am off to buy the next book!
May 4, 2022
Part I of a series, George Fillis focuses on the importance of family ties and the rampant racism against Chinese and blacks alike in Canada during the first half of the 20th century, through the experiences of a Chinese immigrant child who grows of age.
October 15, 2025
Lacks depth in story and characters.
October 16, 2022
Through his eyes
This book will take you through the journey this man made being forced to leave his country and start a new life. It will really make you think and feel.
This book will take you through the journey this man made being forced to leave his country and start a new life. It will really make you think and feel.
April 28, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Interesting story about a young Chinese man who comes of age during the communist revolution in 1948 and emigrated to Canada, and of the horrible prejudice he suffers.
Interesting story about a young Chinese man who comes of age during the communist revolution in 1948 and emigrated to Canada, and of the horrible prejudice he suffers.
April 21, 2025
I know very little about life in Canada in the 1950s or about the difficulties and racism that Chinese immigrants faced there. The young man whose story is told leaves China because his family is facing persecution from the communists who took over his country at the end of WWII. He believes that he is going to a foster family in Canada. The reality is very different.
This is a very interesting and well-written story of determination and survival and is the first book in a series.
This is a very interesting and well-written story of determination and survival and is the first book in a series.
April 2, 2021
A powerful and compelling story where soaring humanity and brutal inhumanity collide. A thrilling emotional journey moving between hope, loss, anxiety, and ultimately joy and happiness. What a ride!
February 8, 2021
Exposing prejudice
This book exposes experiences that I had never heard of.
Growing up in Texas, I was slightly aware of the plight of black Americans, and even some of the discrimination against Mexicans, but this book is a real education about prejudices worldwide.
I have never understood why discrimination occurs. Having friends of many ethnic and religious backgrounds I never thought about what they or their families may have had to endure. This book gives me a deeper understanding of the trials of injustice. Thank you for sharing their stories.
This book exposes experiences that I had never heard of.
Growing up in Texas, I was slightly aware of the plight of black Americans, and even some of the discrimination against Mexicans, but this book is a real education about prejudices worldwide.
I have never understood why discrimination occurs. Having friends of many ethnic and religious backgrounds I never thought about what they or their families may have had to endure. This book gives me a deeper understanding of the trials of injustice. Thank you for sharing their stories.
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January 4, 2025Love and Predjudice.
A well written story of a lifelong struggle for survival amidst prejudice. It bears out that when life gets difficult there are people who will help you along the way. A primer on the good and evil which exists in the human heart.
A well written story of a lifelong struggle for survival amidst prejudice. It bears out that when life gets difficult there are people who will help you along the way. A primer on the good and evil which exists in the human heart.
February 2, 2021
A Heart to Survive is an extremely intriguing story. I did not want to put this book down and I did not want it to end. I’m so thankful this was just the first book in a series. The author brought ALL his amazing characters to life. I felt as if I was there and could see the places in my mind’s eye. The author’s writing style really helps the reader sympathize with the hardships they had to endure. I loved how people’s unexpected kindness brought opportunities into Winson’s life and those of others. The story demonstrates that the spirit of goodness from these people was second nature, and that the blessing of giving and receiving goes hand-in-hand. I’m so looking forward to the next novel!
-Betty L.
-Betty L.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews