1926. Wuhan is in lockdown.

Fourteen years ago, its heroes toppled China’s last emperor, but at great cost. Patriots became politicians. Reformers became warlords. Now at Wuchang, the ancient walled city anchoring the metropolis to the Yangtze, they fight to the death.

Former comrades and broken families watch each other through iron crosshairs. For Chiang Kai‑shek’s unproven government forces camped outside, victory means a chance at national salvation. For the ragtag Beiyang soldiers and citizenry trapped within, there is but one mission: stay alive.

From the banks of the Mother River, the cold stone walls have seen entire dynasties unravelled in tides of senseless destruction. Will the living fare any better?

Fang Fang is a Chinese writer, known for her literary depictions of the working poor. She has written several novels, some of which have been honoured with prizes, including the Lu Xun Literary Prize in 2010. Her Wuhan Diary, documenting the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China garnered international attention, and has used her platform to call for an end to internet censorship in China. Olivia Milburn is professor of Chinese language and literature at Seoul National University. In 2018, Milburn’s translation work was recognised by the Chinese government with a Special Book Award of China, which honours contributions to bridging cultures and fostering understanding.