The village of Explosion was founded more than a millennium ago by refugees fleeing a volcanic eruption. But in the post-Mao era the name takes on a new significance as the community grows explosively. Three major families-linked by a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, desire and ambition-are the driving force behind their hometown's transformation into an urban superpower.

Brimming with intelligence and wit, The Explosion Chronicles considers the high stakes of passion and power, the consequences of corruption and greed, the polarising dynamics of love and hate between families, and the seemingly unstoppable excesses of capitalism-it is a smart, flamboyant and poetic tale of ambition, lies and vice from China's master satirist.