This remarkable work has a strange sweetness at its core that is belied by the frequently violent and bizarre events that make up the plot. Being both loving and astonishingly cruel in its depiction of China at the turn of the 20 th century and at a pivotal point in its cultural and political progress the unfolding of a deeply personal and yet universally engaging struggle inspires the reader to rethink what is known or thought of Chinese history.

A humble small businessman is seen stumbling through snow and bad weather carrying a mass of possessions on his back and a newly born daughter strapped to his chest. He is seeking the child’s mother, an enigmatic young woman who appeared suddenly and just as abruptly disappeared. He has been told of the place from which she came and to which he suspects she has returned. Sadly, that place is unknown to any he encounters and so his search continues. He has been reduced to begging at the doorsteps of young mothers, exchanging a coin for the service of nursing his infant girl.

He eventually finds the place he suspects is the home of his errant spouse, but no one seems to know of her. He exerts exhaustive efforts to find someone, anyone, who knows her. He finally succumbs to fatigue, both mental and physical and is taken in by a friendly family. He works assiduously with this family, becomes a business partner and eventually nearly a true family member and a pillar of his new community. Still, he seeks his lost love, always asking, always questing. What happens after this is alternately inspiring and appalling.

China is going through a tumultuous period: the old ways of the imperial state are disappearing and many factions are battling to fill the void. This turmoil offers a perfect opportunity for would-be warlords and ravenous bandits to ply their respective trades. The result is uncertainty about community safety, personal well-being and civic peace. Some truly horrifying behavior is taken as the price of living in such a time, and life is uncertain, at best. Wandering troops of soldiers sweep through towns and divest them of supplies and bands of outlaws take hostages, subject them to bizarre tortures and demand crippling payments. True humanity, while subjugated, remains and charity and forgiveness continue in spite of the brutality of the age. The narrative evokes cultural attitudes unusual for the western reader, a factor which makes it the more interesting. It is a look into an alien time and society that carries a charm which overwhelms the violent nature of much of the action. It is a remarkable work looked at from any perspective.