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Biographical note
Li Peifu is the author of twelve novels. His best-known work is The Book of Life, which portrays China's half-century transformation through orphan Wu Zhipeng's escape from the poverty of his native village in Henan province. It is also the finale of his Plains Trilogy, after the 1999 Gate of the Sheep and the 2003 Light of the City, and won him the 9th Mao Dun award. James Trapp has had a long career promoting Chinese language and culture in UK schools. As well as new versions of the Art of War and Daodejing, his translations include Shadow of the Hunter, Longevity Park and Old Kiln. Much of his work revolves around integrating the study of Chinese language and culture, and breaking down barriers of cultural misunderstanding that still persist."There is an assured storytelling touch throughout, [and] a real clarity to James Trapp’s translation so that the detail never feels overwhelming." – The Irish Times
1980s, China. Dizzying reforms are sweeping across its Central Plain as the nation is told that to get rich is glorious. Swept up in the hope of a better tomorrow, Li Delin, a brilliant scientist of humble background, and his fellow villager, the flower seller Liu Jinding, share an ambition to rise from their unassuming rural origins.
In this new age of excess, few care for the old values. Li’s honest talent and hard graft earn him power in provincial politics, from which Liu extracts his own profitable empire. Neither are ready when they become surrounded by feigned friends selling false assurances.
Exploited and betrayed by those he used to confide in, Li’s career is soon enveloped in corruption and tragedy. Attempts at a resolution simply dig him deeper into crisis. As the walls start to close in, who can he count on? He was never prepared for this fight.