River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure

Shanghai, 2007: feeling betrayed by her American mother’s engagement to their rich landlord Lu Fang, fourteen-year-old Alva begins plotting her escape.

But the exclusive American School – a potential ticket out – is not what she imagined.

Qingdao, 1985: newlywed Lu Fang works as a lowly shipping clerk. Though he aspires to a bright future, he is one of many casualties of harsh political reforms.

Then China opens up to foreigners and capital, and Lu Fang meets a woman who makes him question what he should settle for.

*Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024*