Jan Wong is een veelgeprezen journaliste wiens werk zich verdiept in het hart van China's transformatie. Na in China te hebben gewoond tijdens de Culturele Revolutie en later als correspondent te zijn teruggekeerd, biedt haar schrijven een insiderperspectief op de complexe verschuiving van het land naar het kapitalisme. Wong beschrijft haar persoonlijke reis van een radicale jeugd tot een ervaren verslaggeefster die turbulente gebeurtenissen uit de eerste hand meemaakte. Haar verhalen bieden inzichtelijke portretten van een voortdurend veranderend China, dat zich met onbevreesde details een weg baant door de stromingen van de moderniteit.
"Red China Blues" is Jan Wong's memoir detailing her six-year journey as a Maoist in China during the Cultural Revolution. From her education at Beijing University to her disillusionment with communism, she shares personal stories and insights about the harsh realities of Chinese life, including the Tiananmen Square uprising and capitalist reforms.
Set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution, the narrative follows Jan Wong, a Canadian student who reported her classmate Yin Luoyi to authorities, leading to Yin's disappearance. Decades later, Wong returns to Beijing to seek redemption and uncover Yin's fate. As she navigates a rapidly changing city, Wong grapples with her past actions and their implications, unveiling a complex tapestry that reflects both her personal journey and the broader transformation of contemporary China.
Shortlisted for prestigious awards, this non-fiction work offers a compelling exploration of its subject matter, blending personal narrative with insightful analysis. It delves into themes relevant to Canadian culture and identity, providing readers with a thought-provoking perspective. The author's engaging writing style and meticulous research elevate the narrative, making it both informative and enjoyable for those interested in contemporary issues. This book stands out for its contribution to understanding the complexities of the Canadian experience.
The book features a collection of touching vignettes that explore the emotional journey of adoption. Each story captures the unique experiences and challenges faced by adoptive families, making it a relatable and heartfelt read. It is a celebration of love and connection, offering insights that will resonate deeply with anyone involved in or touched by the adoption process. This collection serves as a valuable resource and source of comfort for adoptive families.
During the Cultural Revolution Jan Wong studied in Beijing and reported a fellow student to the authorities. Over thirty years later, she returned to China to find out what happened to the woman she betrayed. Chinese Whispers tells her remarkable story. 'Wong points the way for the future of travel writing.' Book of the Week, The Times
Nel 1972 Jan Wong ha diciannove anni, vive in Canada ed è una convinta militante della sinistra radicale. In virtù delle sue convinzioni politiche, abbandona Montreal e si trasferisce a Pechino per partecipare in prima persona alla rivoluzione culturale di Mao. In Cina, Jan aderisce con entusiasmo al Partito comunista e, per stare a contatto con le masse, non esita a fare l'operaia e persino a lavorare come trasportatrice di letame. Attivista instancabile, Jan Wong è comunque costretta a prendere atto delle contraddizioni che agitano la Cina e, lentamente, deve fare i conti con le ipocrisie che circondano un potere esercitato in nome del popolo. Questo percorso porterà la giovane a rivedere le proprie posizioni e, alla fine, a tornare in Canada portandosi dietro un rimorso enorme: quello di aver denunciato una sua compagna "colpevole" di averle confidato il desiderio di emigrare negli Stati Uniti. Il tutto sembra appartenere al passato finché Jan Wong, ormai affermata giornalista, non ha la possibilità di visitare ancora Pechino. Per lei si tratta di un'occasione imperdibile. A tanti anni di distanza, infatti, avrà modo di confrontare la Cina che ha conosciuto con il Paese che, tra mille problemi, si appresta a organizzare le grandi Olimpiadi del 2008. Ma, sopratutto, Jan avrà modo di affrontare finalmente il suo senso dì colpa, impegnandosi nell'estenuante ricerca della vecchia compagna tradita.
