Main characters are real or fictional in the book

The main characters are all fictional.

However, In many ways, the main character Zoe is written in memory of my father who was branded a black element during the Cultural Revolution. He was punished and indoctrinated by the communist regime so significantly that at one point, even after he had survived his suicide attempt, myself and my siblings were mandated to read propaganda works for one hour every night after dinner. However, through it all, he never lost his characteristic kindness. And John is a collective image from many excellent gentlemen I have come across since I arrived in Australia.