Shanghai. 1936. Crossroads of the world. Into this city of political intrigue comes Sofia, a Russian Countess whom the Revolution has left stateless with the remains of her family. Forced by her reduced circumstances to support herself and her family as a bar-girl and taxi dancer, Sofia forms a relationship with Jackson, a blind former diplomat who opens an elegant bar, The White Countess. Their curious relationship matures, but they are caught up in the fall of the city to the Japanese invaders.—johnno.r@xtra.co.nz