History buffs, will enjoy the wealth of detail about the struggle between the monarchists under Chiang Kai Shek and the Communists in this collection of short stories about the development of China from the time of the Qing dynasty to when the U.S. first invaded North Korea. They describe the constant state of friction between supporters of the ruling Monarchy and the Communists down the years.

Intensely varied stories describe scenes of great cruelty and sadness and a sense of the futility of life amongst the dirt-poor, struggling just to have a normal life. There is a strong sense of the macabre, as well as touches of black humour. Nevertheless, sexual depravity, the exploitation of young women and human trafficking pervade throughout, persisting until the present day.