Jade Lily

1939: Two girls meet in Shanghai, known as „ Paris of the East“. The beautiful Li, who grew up here, and Romy – a Jewish girl who fled to Shanghai with her parents from Nazi-occupied Vienna. The pair become fast friends and in a short time are practically inseparable. The young friends move together in two different worlds: between the bright lights of the big city and the splendour of the French Quarter, and in the shabby alleys of Shanghai's crowded ghetto. But despite their strong bond, they are ultimately separated by the centrifugal force of the omnipresent war.

2016: Alexandra leaves London heartbroken and returns to her native Australia to be with her grandparents – Romy and Wilhelm. All she has left of her mother is a jade pendant in the shape of a lily. A symbol of pure love, originating from Shanghai. Alexandra's beloved grandfather is dying and during the last few weeks she and Romy decide to reveal to their granddaughter the family secrets they have kept for more than half a century.

Thus begins a journey of discovery for Alexandra through the intoxicating gardens and markets of Shanghai, during which she discovers an unexpected truth about her family.

She is determined to follow in the footsteps of the past to discover her own roots. Gradually she discovers things that show not only her family but also herself in a whole new light.

Jade Lily is a colourful, provocative and beautiful story about friendship, motherhood, the value of love and the power of renunciation and courage.