Through the MOONgate

About the Book

Through the MOONgate is the true story of a young woman’s life in China. A life of privilege and poverty, of romance and adventure, of humor and sorrow, but most of all a life filled with unforgettable characters tempered by the forces of revolution.

Muse was born in Siberia as her parents fled from the Russian revolution, and grew up in Shanghai, where her family found refuge, and later in the fascinating European colony of Tsingtao.

Vivid in description are her recollections of times in China during Japan’s occupation including an encounter with Mao Tse-tung in the mountains of Laoshan.

Tragically widowed at an early age, the she overcame incredible obstacles to create a new life for herself and her two young children. As communist forces seized power in China, they escaped on the last ship to leave the port of Tsingtao for the United States of America.

Through the MOONgate is an adventure and a glimpse into a human life courageously lived.

About the Author

Born in Russia, Muse Norcross Kotenev was brought at an early age to China by her parents who were driven from Russia as Kerensky's government was toppled by revolution. As a young widow, she narrowly escaped another revolution by fleeing from China to the United States in 1949. In the United States, she established herself as a talented artist, interior designer, and author. Her writings include the children's book Lee-Ho of the Boat People and the historical novel, The Hour of the Phoenix. She also translated and edited her father's memoirs, Big Trifles and Little People. Muse died at the age of 80, shortly after publication of Through the Moongate.