Ljubavna sabotaža

Based on Amélie Nothomb's own experiences, this novel is about the daughter of diplomats posted to Beijing in the 1970's. She travels the grim government housing ghetto of San Li Tun on her "horse", in reality her bicycle. Her fantasy life is as rich as her surroundings are bleak. The children conduct their own wars, an hilarious microcosm of adult world politics, during which she meets a young Italian girl, Elena. Our redoubtable heroine is instantly infatuated, and realises the only fight worthy of her energies is shattering Elena's indifference.