Dickson Lam

About the Author

Dickson Lam is an acclaimed author whose poignant memoir Paper Sons explores the intricate tapestry of family secrets, immigration, and identity through the lens of his Chinese heritage. Winner of the prestigious Autumn House Press Nonfiction Prize, Lam's work delves into the emotional complexities of being a 'paper son'—a fabricated identity forged in the shadows of exclusionary laws that barred Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. Drawing from personal archives, oral histories, and vivid recollections, he uncovers the resilience and quiet rebellions of his forebears, offering readers a deeply human narrative of belonging and displacement. Lam's writing bridges generations, illuminating the enduring impact of historical injustices on contemporary lives, and he continues to contribute insightful essays to literary journals, advocating for underrepresented voices in American literature.