Rice Papers

"Rice Papers" by Hugh Leigh Norris is a compilation of imaginary narratives rooted in the writer's experiences during a three-year stint in China, probably penned in the early 1900s, that strives to offer a unique view of the Chinese people. It pushes back against common stereotypes by portraying people from naval officers to local Chinese as their worlds mix with humor and suspense. The story opens on a hot day in the Chinese countryside where riverboats bustle near a British gunboat, before introducing a naval surgeon whose funny accident brings him into contact with villagers after a shooting and introduces cultural clashes and potential conflicts. The narrative then transitions to funny incidents that turn into quests and new alliances, aided by characters such as Fung Wa Chun, who recounts his own journey following the opening humorous tale.