An remarkable story, written with an eye to historical accuracy and without judgment, this book takes us into a shadowy world of international intrigue in prewar and wartime North Asia through the life an attractive and naive young Australian libertine. Hordern writes compellingly and crisply. He weaves a tale that starts on the doorstep of impoverished rural Australia, and moves through the bedrooms of Canada, Japan, China and wartime Australia to the drawing rooms of the privileged classes of post war England. Meticulously researched and a fascinating read.