Porcelain Thief

In 1938, with the Japanese army approaching from Nanking, Huan Hsu’s great-great grandfather, Liu, and his five granddaughters, were forced to flee their hometown on the banks of the Yangtze River. But before they left a hole was dug as deep as a man, and as wide as a bedroom, in which was stowed the family heirlooms.

Reviews

‘A cinematic account of what might have happened in Xingang almost 80 years ago’ Financial Times
‘Hsu’s account is filled with humour … an engrossing way into contemporary China’ Alexander Monroe, Literary Review
‘Fascinating’ Monocle
‘Huan Hsu takes us on an intriguing journey into his family's and China's tumultuous past. The Porcelain Thief provides a great, intimate view into how modern China really works.’ Frank Langfitt, NPR Correspondent, Shanghai
‘Part memoir, part journey, and part archaeological expedition, The Porcelain Thief is as suspenseful as any Indiana Jones adventure.’ Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing and In Manchuria
‘Huan Hsu blends a fascinating search for his own family’s roots with an illuminating portrait of modern China. The Porcelain Thief is a wonderful read.’ Rob Gifford, author of China Road
‘[Hsu’s] persistence in the face of numerous obstacles is beyond admirable… He offers plenty of intriguing information about Chinese history and culture, from wild Shanghai traffic to family dynamics. Some first-rate detective work.’ Kirkus Reviews