Only the cat knows : inspired by a true event in a single spring, 1970s, China : a novella

"This harrowing and extraordinary story, based on a true event, is part of a series of tales illuminating the microcosm of all humanity contained in a typical Chinese "worker village." Here, an exploited young factory worker has nothing to live for beyond a frail chance of a pay raise. When it never happens, he feels trapped between his family and official greed, indifference, and corruption. He then loses a ten-yuan note in a grain shop and turns desperately manic. While burgling the home of his sister, he is caught and accused by his little niece. Horrorstruck, he performs the action that will seal his fate forever"-- Provided by publisher. A powerful and gripping allegory of an ordinary man trying to survive in the oppressive Chinese communist regime of the 1970s.