Under the Banyan Tree by the Playground: Classic Rhymes and Modern Melodies of the Hometown Heart Village
By｜Kuo Chung-chi
"The early residents of Heart Village (Xinzhong Village) were military personnel, doctors, administrative staff, and their families from the Beitou Military Hospital. Author Kuo Chung-chi grew up in Heart Village; after working and living abroad for many years, she returned to Taiwan to settle in the newly renovated community and serves as a volunteer. While guiding domestic and international visitors, she retraces her old footsteps, finding memories of gatherings with family and neighbors at every turn. Part I and II of this book focus on the author's childhood stories—memories shared by everyone of that era and a piece of history worth preserving. It records not only a personal family history but also a collective journey of the military dependents' village (Juancun) residents, hoping to evoke deep childhood memories for friends who lived in such villages. The preservation of these 'bamboo fence' and 'big family' stories is significant not only to former residents but as an indispensable part of Taiwan's history. Part III recalls the author's university life, while Parts IV and V cover her time as a student and her experiences returning to Taiwan after living in the United States for over twenty years. There are joys, sorrows, and an unyielding will against adversity, transforming life's challenges into nutrients for spiritual growth."
