The Valley of Amazement

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Shanghai, the story follows Violet Minturn, the daughter of an American madam, as she navigates the complexities of her mixed heritage and the tumultuous political landscape. Separated from her mother, Violet transforms into a "virgin courtesan," blending her identities while grappling with personal struggles. The narrative also delves into her mother's past in San Francisco, highlighting her ill-fated romance with a Chinese painter and the cultural challenges she faces.