He had seen many foreigners in China take local women as concubines and looked down upon them as whoremongers not worthy of his respect. The passion evoked in him by Ayaou made him question his vow and he determined to learn as much as he could about this expansive land of China which has a culture many, many centuries older than that of Europe. He did so to learn to accept Ayaou’s love and return it honestly and completely. In his quest he met mercenaries and smugglers and teachers and poets. Follow along with him as he experiences and grows into a new life in this little known chapter of a man who was in every respect one of the fathers of Chinese modernization.

Lloyd Lofthouse has crafted a novel that tells an intriguing and amazing tale of a man’s life that is objective and yet compelling. It is evident in the detail and touching honesty from both Hart’s perspective and that of the Chinese who touch his life that Mr. Lofthouse has a great understanding of the unique nature of human cultures and the clashes that arise when East meets West. In addition, the historical depictions and vivid descriptions of the settings make this a book of most impressive stature. The only flaw, and it is minor, is that the reader is left with some questions as to the future. One hopes that this is a hint at a sequel as there is undoubtedly much more to be told of Robert Hart and his journeys of growth and accomplishment.