The Maker Of Heavenly Trousers: Daniele Varè

A foreign bachelor in the Diplomatic Service living in Peking's Chinese quarter during the years between 1908 and 1920 finds himself guardian to the young daughter of an Italian railway worker. Through his stewardship, he catches a glimpse of an entirely different side of life. As Kuniang grows up, his feelings for her change, and he must compete with a motley cast of characters for her attentions. These include a shadowy former mistress of Rasputin, a flamboyant American fashion designer, Red Russians, White Russians and Radishes (Red outside and White inside) and an English millionaire. But when Kuniang unwittingly falls under a form of Eastern hypnosis, a terrifying vision threatens their prospects. Set against the mysterious Eastern backdrop of Peking in the early twentieth century, The Maker of Heavenly Trousers is a charming, possibly autobiographical - and at times tragic - story of love and family.