Even an assassin needs love too!

Snow Phoenix and Me
Author: Arthur Y. T. Foo

When I got this book from my friend, the author, Arthur Foo, I asked him jokingly, “So you are naming your books after your girlfriend now?” He hushed me and was quick to rebut, “Not so loud, not in front of my wife!” with a coy smile and a wink.

Just like his cheeky smile, this is a playful novella set at the tail end of the glorious Chinese dynasties. It is the turbulent of times, and political upheaval is the order of the day. Against this background starts the story of a mix breed Red Indian-Chinese hitman a.k.a Mr. Clean. During one of his hits, he becomes weak in the knees and falls hopelessly in love with a painter at the scene of an assassination!

The field is set for an adventure of cat and mouse chase as he goes into hiding when his sifu warns him of imminent danger. Mr. Clean goes into hiding but not without his new found love. The tale goes on to narrate their escapade as they hit the old country road from Shanghai all the way to Peking.

The book is a short light read which tries to create the aura and splendour of ancient China with its scenic outdoors infused with contemporary ideas and speak. For instance, I am pretty sure that the middle finger sign is definitely a mid-1960 invention! That is why I said it is a tongue in the cheek kind of feel good lovey-dovey ala-Mills and Boons kind of entertaining novella. It is a good diversion from the stresses of life.

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