This collection of five stories by celebrated contemporary Chinese
novelist Pan Xiangli, gives a rich look into the lives of cosmopolitan
women living in modern China.
Pan's heroines exhibit strength of character, sense of humor, and
integrity while retaining their grace, beauty, and feminine style. In
love, they need no fairy tales. These women let go of traditional ideals
while holding true to their individual desires and expectations. They
dare to pursue love on their own terms, all the while maneuvering the
changing landscape of work, lifestyle, and the city.
Pan Xiangli writes with a keen eye towards the lifestyle, mindset, and
cultural values of the modern Chinese woman. Her characters assert their
womanly beauty as defined by confidence, willingness to face challenges,
and the self-assuredness to pursue happiness--all while being stylish
and charming. Her colorful portraits will no doubt leave a lasting
impression on the reader.
The Way of Her Fragranes
Li Sijin is a 30-something, lively, and successful deputy managing
editor of Shanghais newspaper, The City Intelligencer. While her
relentless passion and professionalism make her a star at the news
bureau, her admiration for her boss Luo Yi and her personal sense of
right and wrong often get the best of her. What will it take for Li
Sijin to be true to herself and to find fulfilling happiness?
White Michelia
The young and sprightly Xu Yi has been assigned to attend her first
writer's conference. There, she meets Ji Mengbei, who is intrigued by Xu
Yi's simple serenity. In White Michelia, the two engage in a cautious,
playful dance against the backdrop of their own experiences and
anticipations.
A Miracle Rides In on a Sleigh
A woman ponders her simple life as a housewife. She is content, well
loved, and very comfortable. But she wonders about choice and
possibilities of the past, present, and the future. Then one Christmas
day, she finds out.
Lady Boss
Han Xiaoyan works for the glamorous and successful Zhong Keming, who
seems to have it all. But Han quickly learns that, behind every
confident woman, life stories are complicated. As Han navigates some big
decisions in her own life, her Lady Boss becomes a witness and an
unexpected confidante.
Listen to the Night
A phone call catches Miss Dream off guard as she is taken on an
unexpected journey to rediscover her past. The voice on the other end of
the line goes alongside her as she slowly allows herself to face her
present reality without giving up her memory of what was once true. In
Listen to the Night, they both learn what it means to live in the
present and to thrive after love and loss.
