Wu River Variations

1935, China. The Long March hangs by a wire.

What remains of the Communist forces make a frenzied retreat to escape their Nationalist pursuers. Trudging vast distances across the nation's fractured hinterland, the only thing preventing their annihilation is the Red Army's top-secret codebreaking unit.

Led by Chief Zeng, the primitive listening posts and ox-bone abacuses of the 2nd Bureau are the sole tools at their disposal as they sift through a deluge of intercepted signals to save their comrades from enemy crosshairs. Their mission is critical when each message deciphered could save lives.

Illuminating the way to safety from the shadows, for years the names of the decoders have been lost while the great men of the revolution have been celebrated. But after all the triumphs have been committed to paper, how long can the story of their sacrifices remain hidden between the lines?

Pang Bei, born 1966 in Tsingtao, is chairman of the Writers Association of Guangzhou and a retired Chinese military staff officer. His novels include The Unicorn, Wu River Variations and the Mao Dun Literature Prize-shortlisted Midnight Banquet. He has written for the stage, including dramas Life After Life and Sound of the Sword, and for film, including a screenplay credit for Lord of Shanghai. James Trapp has had a long career promoting Chinese language and culture in UK schools. As well as new versions of the Art of War and Daodejing, his translations include Shadow of the Hunter, Longevity Park and Old Kiln. Much of his work revolves around integrating the study of Chinese language and culture, and breaking down barriers of cultural misunderstanding that still persist.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.