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It's 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.
Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.
Code name: Fortune.
But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind's mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind's new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.
To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion's cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.
Throughout this year, the COD Library will help you engage with this novel through events and resources. This guide highlights themes and topics from Foul Lady Fortune and the work of Chloe Gong.
Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Secret Shanghai novels, as well as the Flesh and False Gods trilogy. Her books have been published in over twenty countries and have been featured in the New York Times, PEOPLE, Cosmopolitan, and more. She was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2024.
Gong was born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. While growing up in New Zealand, Gong was immersed in Chinese culture at home, speaking Shanghainese, cooking Chinese food, and celebrating Chinese holidays. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and International Relations and is now based in New York City.
Gong wrote her 2020 debut novel, These Violent Delights, in May 2018 after her freshman year of college. The book features a 1920s Romeo and Juliet-esque storyline set in Shanghai. At the age of 21, Gong became one of the youngest writers to author a young adult hardcover on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Interviews
Visit the College of DuPage's Great Read Series website for more information on the program and a calendar of upcoming events, including book discussions and author visits.
This Guide Created By
This guide was created by Amanda Crowley, Adjunct Librarian. Please reach out with any feedback or ideas!