The main character, Alice, runs away from her racist congressman father to China, where she as a westerner is in the minority. The Chinese she encounters throughout the story view Western society as inferior. The book would have been much better had there been some exploration of Alice's motivation. Is living in China and being viewed as inferior a form of penance for Alice?

The only thing that saved this book was the description of the stark, rugged landscape of Inner Mongolia.

Liz R

I had a hard time getting into this, admittedly because I really thought it was the book version of the movie. Nope! But once I got going, I had many moments where I couldn't put it down. I don't know how or when I got to reading so many books about China, but they are enjoyable. Asia is an endlessly fascinating place and so different from the West. I really have no desire to visit, but I do enjoy reading about it.

Found the parts about the Chinese culture fascinating but the book was a slow read for me.

Has a little bit of history in it.

the memory of this book sticks with me even now, and the paleoanthropology twist gets me back to my roots

(I have no notes on this book ... but I've since read another book by this author, and really like her work)

the main character in this book is really charming and different, and I enjoyed the glimpses of both ancient and modern Chinese culture.

American woman living in China and working as interpreter--gets involved in an archeological expedition to find Peking Man--great read!