'Chinese folktales coloured much of my childhood. From the tale of Chang’e and the moon to nian and its link to the traditions of Chinese New Year, my parents were insistent that my sister and I be exposed to all sorts of stories. I watched a serialised, Chinese drama version of wo hu chang long (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), a far cry from the English version that was pedalled out to the Western world. And of course, there was xi you ji (Journey to the West).' (Introduction)