Meaning: Colleen McCullough, the acclaimed Australian author, made this statement about writing a sequel to her novel "The Touch". In this quote, McCullough expresses her intention to delve deeper into the "Chinese question" that she raised in the original novel, indicating that the sequel will offer more in-depth exploration of this theme.

"The Touch" is a historical fiction novel published in 2003, which tells the story of an Australian woman named Elizabeth and her love affair with a Chinese man, Lin, set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Australian goldfields. The novel addresses themes of cultural differences, racism, and the challenges faced by interracial couples during that era. McCullough's decision to write a sequel suggests that she aims to continue the exploration of these themes and further develop the characters and their stories.

The reference to the "Chinese question" in the quote likely pertains to the complexities and challenges faced by the Chinese characters in the novel, as well as broader issues related to Chinese immigration and integration into Australian society during the time period in which the story is set. By indicating that the sequel will delve more deeply into this question, McCullough signals her intention to provide a more comprehensive examination of the historical and social context in which the characters' lives unfold.

McCullough's decision to write a sequel to "The Touch" may also reflect her desire to continue the narrative arc of the characters and the unresolved elements of the original story. This suggests that readers can anticipate further developments in the lives of Elizabeth, Lin, and other characters introduced in the first novel. The sequel may offer insights into how their relationships and circumstances evolve over time, as well as how they navigate the challenges and conflicts that arise due to their cultural differences.

Furthermore, the announcement of a sequel indicates the author's commitment to expanding the world and themes she introduced in "The Touch". It suggests that McCullough sees the potential for further storytelling and character development within the framework of the original novel. This decision also offers readers the opportunity to engage with familiar characters and themes in a new context, potentially deepening their understanding of the issues presented in the first book.

Overall, McCullough's statement about writing a sequel to "The Touch" reflects her dedication to continuing the exploration of the Chinese question and the characters' stories. It suggests that the sequel will provide a more comprehensive and in-depth examination of the themes and issues introduced in the original novel, offering readers the opportunity to further engage with the narrative and its historical and cultural significance.