Fruit Dreams and Other Asian Stories by Roseanne Thong ISBN 9789889902186 | Trade Paper | Chameleon Press | December 2006 | HK$117 Buy this book from Paddyfield.com

Roseanne Thong "captures the sights, the odors, and particularly the ceaseless roar that sets Hong Kong apart from most other Asian cities." —Bill Purves, author of China on the Lam and A Sea of Green FRUIT DREAMS & OTHER ASIAN STORIES is a vivid and compelling debut collection of the various voices that make up Hong Kong, China and nearby communities. Thirteen stories deal with the everyday lives of everyday people, set against such backdrops as SARS, illegal immigration and Falun Gong protests. The stories are populated by a rich cast of characters: an aged woman hoards visual imagery in the face of failing eyesight, a handsome expatriate prefers voyeurism to working, and a journalist believes fruit can help her to attract an older man. This collection highlights frustrations and joys that are both universal and exotic. In 'Paying the Price,' a noodle vendor refuses to pay a senseless entry fee; in 'Subtitles,' an expatriate woman finds clarity among chaos in Malaysia; and in 'The Marriage,' a student is inextricably bound by spirit and fate to his dead brother. ROSEANNE THONG writes as both a passionate outsider and, after fifteen years of living and working in Asia, an informed insider. If you’ve lived or traveled in the region, FRUIT DREAMS & OTHER ASIAN STORIES will resonate with strong emotions. If you haven't, let these stories guide you on your first visit.

Author's Web Site Review: The Asian Review of Books