Tales from the Fragrant Harbour

Nineteen tales, of which nine contain elements of the fantastic, explore various aspects of China in this intriguing collection. Kilworth's scholarly yet passionate fascination with Chinese myth and his firsthand familiarity with Hong Kong are evident and make for an interesting and educational read. Standouts include "The Snake-Man Cometh," which follows a strange Chinese snake handler's interactions with the British military, and the chilling "Inside the Walled City," about a haunted Chinese slum. There's plenty of variation to satisfy most readers' literary appetites. Fans of elegant short fiction and Far Eastern culture will find this very worthwhile reading. (Sept.)