The Lovesick Crow and Other Fables’ (Wang Meng) is a spellbindingly surreal offering. Often written in the first person, poignancy abounds, especially in ‘The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband’ (Feng Ji-cai). A chronicle of China before, during and after the Cultural Revolution, this book provides an intriguing variety of insights. A delightful collection, glowing with humour.