This novel by one of China's best contemporary writers is an exploration of the Cultural revolution and its impact on individual lives. Within the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution families were destroyed, friendships disbanded and budding relationships never given a chance to bloom. Over two decades later two families now have a chance to mend bridges that were destroyed in the past. Former friends must now put their histories behind them, while those relationships lost in the confusion of the past may have a chance to re-ignite. Six students of the Cultural Revolution now have the rare opportunity to change their destinies.