Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters’ village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday.

When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated – until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself – even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission... even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.

This is a tale of courage, honor, and perseverance set in 12th-century Korea, beautifully bringing to life the world of ceramics and the indomitable spirit of a young boy.

Slaves of New York introduces a coterie of artists, prostitutes, saints, and seers all aspiring towards fame and hoping for love and acceptance. Instead, they encounter high rents, faithless partners, and dead-end careers.

This offbeat, funny, and bitingly satirical novel sheds an incomparable light on the city's denizens and social mores. Dive into the quirky world of New York during the 1980s, where each character's journey is a unique blend of humor and social commentary.