The book interweaves three narratives, separated in time but linked by a common association with the 'forbidden kingdom' of China. "His personal involvement and his unique style—sometimes clipped and ironic, at other times lyrical and visionary—give his books a place of their own in the history of the novel." - R.P. Meijer, Literature of the Low Countries

"In his prose he is great and irresistible." - Bert Schierbeek, De Groene Amsterdammer