Tie Ning (1957-) is the author of more than fifty works of fiction and essays and a recipient of major national literary awards. She served as the first female chair of the China Writers Association until 2024, where her leadership has seen modernisation and a much-needed diversification of its membership. Her novel The Bathing Women was longlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize.

'Remarkably told with both historical breadth and its commitment to interiority, the inclusion of Mei and Yiwen in the same frame gives new life to the feminist insight that we are the product of women who come before us.' - Kaelie Giffel, Asymptote Journal'There is no doubt about the book’s power.' - Fiction Fan'The Passage of Roses offers a rare focus on femininity as something distorted and sabotaged by overriding ambition and opportunism.' - Jianan Qian, The Spectator'A deeply impressive accomplishment.' - Declan O'Driscoll, The Irish Times