This novel-a black comedy set in Hong Kong-explores how people respond to the cultural manifestations of an international city; their reactions to cultural distinctions. Do they embrace them, recoil, explain, attempt to change, stay oblivious, or pretend there are none? With arresting, varied and eccentric characters from many walks of society, the central character is perhaps the narrow suburban lane, where everyone in the tale lives and visits and where private games are played out. This entertainingly intertwining story, with some splendid set scenes, tells of human-kind’s weaknesses, stupidity and inflexibility, with a final message that we are all the product and slaves of cultural conditioning.