"Dishwater and refuse were thrown casually out of windows, rats the size of squirrels could be seen flattened out all over the roads, spittle and mucus lay everywhere, and the dust and ash from coal -burning stoves, heaters and factories mixed with dirt and rain to stain the entire city an unpleasant greyish-brown." (Chapter 1, page 10.)

"I'd been interested in China since I was thirteen. I had seen the television movie "Kung Fu" and decided right away that peace of mind and a shaved head were what I had always wanted." (Chapter 2, page 17.)

"Now, practice the form, and this time don't fuss over the technique. Just enjoy it, as if this mound gave you power. That is the kind of feeling that makes wushu beautiful—it is tradition passing through you. Isn't that a kind of power?" (Chapter 2, page 34.)

"Our newspapers are controlled by the people, but your...