The Lost Garden is an eloquent portrait of the losses incurred as we
struggle to hold on to our passions. The novel begins with the family of
Zhu Yinghong, whose father, Zhu Zuyan, was imprisoned in the early days
of Chiang Kai-shek's rule. Zhu Zuyan spends his days luxuriating in his
Lotus Garden, which he builds according to his own desires. Forever
under suspicion, he indulges as much as he can in circumscribed
pleasures, though they drain the family fortune. Eventually the entire
household is sold, including the Lotus Garden. The novel then swings to
modern-day Taipei, where Zhu Yinghong falls for Lin Xigeng, a real
estate tycoon and playboy. Their cat-and-mouse courtship builds against
the extravagant banquets and decadent entertainments of Taipei's wealthy
businessmen. Though the two ultimately marry, their high-styled romance
dulls over time, leading to a dangerous, desperate quest to reclaim the
enchantment of the Lotus Garden.