‘Tie Ning’s is an acute, sympathetic observer of Chinese society’ - Julia Lovell, The Guardian

Growing up in a glittering new decade of possibility, Anran is radically different to her sister. Outspoken and idealistic, she relishes in challenging hypocrisy, unlike the older Anjing, whose memories of a turbulent past remind her of the perils of going against the grain.

When Anran is targeted by her teacher for her refusal to conform to authority, should Anjing shield her sibling from life's hard truths, or will she let her blaze her own path?

First published in China in 1984, Tie Ning’s coming-of-age novella depicts the challenges of being true to yourself in an era of unpredictable transformation.