'In April 1989, Anna leaves Australia for Shanghai to study painting before starting college. While she grapples with cultural contrasts and her father's exclusive expat lifestyle, it is her student translator and guide, Chenxi, who draws most of her attention. As Anna strives to grow closer to him, she inadvertently brings him, his subversive art, and their relationship to the attention of the oppressive government. Chenxi marvels at the luxuries and freedoms that Anna takes for granted, but she misses this point until the story's devastating conclusion.'
(Source: Google Books website)