Nanking, 1937: as Japanese forces close in on the city, siblings Yǎwén and Sān are forced to flee. Leaving behind their home and their hoped-for future, they embark on a perilous journey to Liverpool.
In this strange new city, each must build a life. Sān finds work at sea and falls in love with a local woman. Yǎwén, meanwhile, is pushed into a marriage she does not want and must fight to reclaim control of her life.
They survive war, loss and displacement - and even when peace is declared, face further uncertainty. In the end, Sān and Yǎwén must confront a devastating question: what is home when love has been scattered across the world?
Inspired by true events, Dust Upon Fallen Leaves is a tender, heart-breaking story of family, love and survival - and the lives erased from history.
Hear what everyone's saying about Emma Pei Yin
'Heartbreaking yet hopeful' WOMAN & HOME

'A heart-breaking, moving, and soaring novel' NGUYỄN PHAN QUẾ MAI
'Gorgeous and expansive' STYLIST