As Flowers Bloom and Wither

Book excerpt: As Flowers Bloom and Wither tells a bold and stirring story with great sensitivity. The protagonist, whose true identity was enshrouded in an enormous plot, must brave the thorns of history in order to unravel the threads of this enigma. Will the twists and turns of fate obscure the ultimate truth? How many more "truths" are there behind the so-called "truth"? Can the final answer be reached, despite the torrents of political conflict? While a work of fiction, this novel is also a reflection of reality: in a time of turmoil, individuals lose their ability to make personal choices. But as their identity becomes muddled, their feelings of love and hatred intensifies. This is not just the story of one person, but also the tragic tale of a people. Once the ultimate power is revealed, love and compassion flourish once again, like a rose that endures through a bitter winter. In weaving this spellbinding tale of a broken soul, Chang Ying Tai, one of Asia's most compelling and overlooked talents, succeeds in capturing the tragic essence of an entire people.