The Sauce Affairs of Shu

This is the legendary story of a family of sauce-makers in Jincheng, spanning the Republican era through the years after Liberation. Intangible cultural heritage, Republican era, family saga, traditional craftspeople, slow burn, slice of life, no golden finger, no System. If that’s not for you, don’t read. Chen Banxia, the heroine, only begins to grow up after her father dies. The Liu family’s campaign against them, capital pouring into Sichuan, the Sichuan Army heading out of the province, public-private partnerships… In a turbulent age, she struggles to keep the Chen family alive, guarding their crocks and their sauce, as well as the backbone and integrity of the people of Sichuan and Chongqing. Here you’ll find local customs, delicious food, battles of wits in the marketplace, family feuds, love of country, and boundless compassion…