Dr. Lili Quan is a twenty-seven year old medical resident who is just finishing up her training in Los Angeles.  Lili is very strong willed woman who has a conflict going on inside her as to whether she is American or Chinese. When her mother Su-Wei is dying she asks Lili to go to china and get to know her Chinese heritage.  Lili does go to China as her mother ask and immediately gets wrapped up in an international conspiracy to find the secret of longevity. 

SHOU is a very complex story with intrigue, romance, covetousness, treachery, suspense and even a little sex thrown into the mixture. It ranges over fifty years and two continents. You will learn about Chinese culture from 1949 when Mao and the communists took over China to 1989 and the political demonstrations in Tiananmen Square and the harrowing massacre that ensued.

The Shlian’s have managed to have several stories going on at once and did it remarkably well.  The details of the scenery are breathtaking. Character development was spectacular, with the love story between Lili and Chi-Wen was very touching and romantic. Best of all was the heart stopping surprise ending. Included in the book a glossary, map and a very helpful pronunciation chart.