Narratives of Love and Displacement: Jewish Exile in Shanghai through The Cursed Piano and The Song of the Jade Lily

Abstract: This study examines The Cursed Piano by Beila and The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning, offering a comparative analysis of love, exile, and memory within the context of Jewish exile in Shanghai during World War II. Drawing on Niklas Luhmann's social communication theory of love as a construct for interpersonal relationships and Elena Esposito's insights into fiction's ability to shape reality, the essay explores how these novels use love as a narrative and symbolic device to navigate historical traumas. By examining the interplay of personal and collective memories, the analysis highlights how these works reimagine displacement and intercultural encounters, enriching broader conversations on identity and resilience. Through this literary lens, the study highlights the transformative role of storytelling in bridging historical divides and fostering shared understanding while inviting interdisciplinary dialogue among Holocaust Studies, German Studies, and Asian Studies.