Samuel asked Andrew Warren:

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Andrew Warren Thank you for your question! When I visited Beijing, I was struck by the contrast between the beautiful, stunning city, and the terrible air pollution. I think that duality was the basis for Fang. He’s smooth, charming, even angelic in his white suit… and yet he is surrounded by both a literal and metaphorical cloud of death. In my research for the book, certain events from China’s history really stood out to me as events that would scar and shape a person into a monster. Going through those betrayals, having everything you hold dear taken from you, even as the country grows into a prosperous super-power… Psychologically, Fang was a victim of abuse. Everything he is doing, no matter how horrific, he believes is justified. But, like so many victims, he is actually re-enacting the abuse he suffered, only on a much grander scale.

Also, I’d like to point out that China does not hold a monopoly on pollution and environmental issues. Residents of Flint, Michigan, and other cities in the US, can attest to that.

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