Ghost Cities
by
Siang Lu
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Publication date: 30th April 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 304
RRP: AU$32.99
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
Review: Ghost Cities
Ghost Cities is narrated through a dual timeline.
Present Day: Xiang Lu is sacked from his translator job with the Chinese Consulate in Sydney when they find out he can’t actually speak Chinese. When the hashtag badchinese goes viral Xiang is picked up by producer Baby Bao who sees the perfect opportunity to exploit Xiang in his new movie set in China’s ghost city.
Imperial China: Emperor Lu Huang Do rules with an iron fist, forever paranoid that everyone is out to kill him.
I totally enjoyed both timelines however I think the story of Lu Huang Do and His loyal subjects drew me in more. It was totally absurd and I loved how it went round and round in circles.
Present Day: Xiang Lu is sacked from his translator job with the Chinese Consulate in Sydney when they find out he can’t actually speak Chinese. When the hashtag badchinese goes viral Xiang is picked up by producer Baby Bao who sees the perfect opportunity to exploit Xiang in his new movie set in China’s ghost city.
Imperial China: Emperor Lu Huang Do rules with an iron fist, forever paranoid that everyone is out to kill him.
I totally enjoyed both timelines however I think the story of Lu Huang Do and His loyal subjects drew me in more. It was totally absurd and I loved how it went round and round in circles.
I loved the parallels drawn between the ancient and the modern timelines.
Ghost Cities is an imaginative story about myths, superstitions, power, desire, fear and corruption, wrapped around lashings of humour and pathos.
Ghost Cities is an imaginative story about myths, superstitions, power, desire, fear and corruption, wrapped around lashings of humour and pathos.
Perfect for fans of Haruki Murakami
My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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