Ellen Kolban (1902-1973) was born in Berlin where she initially married the German lawyer Catleen. In 1930 she had a chance meeting with Willem Thorbecke at a reception of the Dutch embassy in Berlin. Both proceeded with divorce proceedings and a year later they leave for China. A skilled photographer, she made a living working as a correspondent in economic affairs for the Berliner Tageblatt. They commuted between Shanghai and Beijing but the fact that they were not married forced Willem to resign as ambassador. They left for Europe and get married in Prague before returning to Shanghai in 1937. Each chapter is illustrated with a full-page photograph. Topics include: The eunuch, the happy couple, the cabbage vendor, the mother-in-law, the camel-driver, the ultra-modern girl, the slave, and the music professor.
