New York: St Martin's, (2010) dj. Hardcover first edition - The author's very highly praised first novel: "Li Jing, a successful, happily married businessman, is dining at a grand hotel in Shanghai when a gas explosion shatters the building. A shard of glass neatly pierces Li Jing's forehead, obliterating his ability to speak Chinese. The only words that emerge from his mouth are faltering phrases of the English he spoke as a child growing up in Virginia. Suddenly Li Jing finds himself unable to communicate with his wife, Meiling, whom he once courted with beautiful words, as she struggles to keep his business afloat and maintain a brave face for their son. . . a story that demonstrates the power of language in both our public and private relationships." 340 pp. ISBN: 978-0312586546.