Author's NOTE:
The German edition of this book was first published in 2012. But quite clairvoyantly it anticipates the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020/21.
This fantastic novel was inspired by decades of a
German-Chinese friendship. I am grateful to my old pal K.K. Wong (Shanghai/New York) for sharing his enormous cultural knowledge. Without him I would have been just a faceless tourist and “Gweilo” in China, but thanks to his uncountable connections, I got to know a lot of different people there from actors over artists to simple workers. In addition I have to thank him for his infinite patience and help with the local lore and customs. It was he, K.K. Wong, who opened my eyes and my heart for this fantastic country and its diligent and zealous people.