The Painter from Shanghai

Down the muddy waters of the Yangtze River and into the seedy backrooms of "The Hall of Eternal Splendor," through the raucous glamour of prewar Shanghai and the bohemian splendor of 1920s Paris, and back to a China ripped apart by civil war and teetering on the brink of revolution: this novel tells the story of Pan Yuliang, one of the most talented'"and provocative'"Chinese artists of the twentieth century.

Jennifer Cody Epstein's epic brings to life the woman behind the lush, Cezannesque nude self-portraits, capturing with lavish detail her life in the brothel and then as a concubine to a Republican official who would ultimately help her find her way as an artist. Moving with the tide of historical events, The Painter from Shanghaicelebrates a singularly daring painting style'"one that led to fame, notoriety, and, ultimately, a devastating choice: between Pan's art and the one great love of her life.

Luminous . . . irresistible.

"A sparkling debut . . . lush!" Vogue

"Engrossing. . . . Epstein's spotless pace, vivid characterization and often-breathtaking descriptions elevate the novel above any initial similarities with to become its own distinctive canvas." Chicago Tribune

"Epstein's harrowing--and historically accurate--details show that through darkness comes greatness." Marie Claire

"Starred Review. Convincing historic detail is woven throughout. . . . Captivating to the last line." Publishers Weekly

"Luminous . . . irresistible." New York Times Book Review

"A historical novel on a grand scale . . . a dark love story, a triumphant tale of survival." --Maureen Howard

'A historical novel on a grand scale . . . a dark love story, a triumphant tale of survival.' '"Maureen Howard

Down the muddy waters of the Yangtze River, through the raucous glamour of prewar Shanghai and the bohemian splendor of 1920s Paris, and back to a China teetering on the brink of revolution: this is the epic story of Pan Yuliang, one of the most talented--and provocative--Chinese artists of the twentieth century.

“A historical novel on a grand scale . . . a dark love story, a triumphant tale of survival.” —Maureen Howard

Jennifer Cody Epstein has written for Self, the Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune. She has published short fiction in several journals and was a finalist in a Glimmer Train fiction contest. She lives in New York City.