This experimental, prize winning novel by a young Chinese Australian author, explores his difficulties in negotiating both his Chinese and Australian heritages. The traditional story of an evil ancient Chinese emperor is interwoven throughout the novel.
Lu, unable to speak mandarin, accepts the invitation of a young rich Chinese capitalist , Baby Boa] ,to join his company, travel back to China and participate in his scheme to create a film set in one of the Ghost Cities, that have remained unpopulated during the Chinese building boom.
Things are not as they seem. The city is populated by actors taking the many parts of a city’s inhabitants. Bao becomes as dictatorial and dangerous as the ancient emperor. In both cases terrified people fall into line with the tyrant’s demands.
Readers can interpret the novel in many ways, including seeing that both ancient and modern rulers can enforce similar tragedies upon whole countries.
This book is not an easy read and some of our group felt it was not worthy of the general praise it has received.
Our book for March is 'American Dirt' by Jeanine Cummins.
Meg Dillon
Convenor
Lu, unable to speak mandarin, accepts the invitation of a young rich Chinese capitalist , Baby Boa] ,to join his company, travel back to China and participate in his scheme to create a film set in one of the Ghost Cities, that have remained unpopulated during the Chinese building boom.
Things are not as they seem. The city is populated by actors taking the many parts of a city’s inhabitants. Bao becomes as dictatorial and dangerous as the ancient emperor. In both cases terrified people fall into line with the tyrant’s demands.
Readers can interpret the novel in many ways, including seeing that both ancient and modern rulers can enforce similar tragedies upon whole countries.
This book is not an easy read and some of our group felt it was not worthy of the general praise it has received.
Our book for March is 'American Dirt' by Jeanine Cummins.
Meg Dillon
Convenor
