- Deng Xiao Ping

Introduction:

It's taken me a long time to get this out. Most of my notes for it are based on actual events and were taken in the fall of 1989. A few years after that I had a rough draft of a novel completed. However, several moves and travels resulted in my loss of this version! So, years passed before I had the heart to redo the task.

I think it was a blessing in disguise that I lost that first version. First, because the Chinese people who I have based some characters on are now in a safer position. Second, the current version is a bit more mature. Unfortunately it still needs a bit of work. The characters need more development, some descriptions need fleshing, and I'm certain there are typos and other errors. I think it's worth a read though. It will give you a taste of what Beijing was like through expat eyes in the fateful spring and summer of 1989.

If you see errors in "Few Flies" then please drop me a line. I also hope to put up a list of reciprocal links related to the Tian'anmen Massacre. My heart goes out to all the brave Chinese who stood up for their freedom against a repressive regime. Keep the faith!

Matt Donath

June 18, 1998

Singapore