"The Shanghai Madonna" is a story on two levels. It is a romance inspired by a true story and a work of historical fiction reflecting decades of Chinese exploitation by foreign nations. Set primarily in China between 1930 and 1949, readers follow the lives of a stubborn Italian marine and a resourceful Russian exile who fall love amid war, economic upheaval and ethnic tension. When the two lovers in this improbable romance are separated, they struggle for survival amid ruthless Japanese aggression followed by a violent Communist revolution. Unwittingly they become central characters in an international incident pitting the United States against the Chinese Communist government bringing both countries to the brink of war. "The Shanghai Madonna," which won first place in the 2009 Florida Writers Association competition for historical fiction, is a graphic reminder of the turbulent history that shaped the China of today. For other books by Daniel Dundon go to www.dundonbooks.com