I thought the book was at its best in the early pages, when Hessler was writing about his former students. Although it’d be a bit dated now, I’m just fascinated by China’s change and growth- it’s interesting to see that reflected in the stories of regular people, I loved reading about their frustrations, triumphs, and changing lives.

But that aspect largely gives way to examinations of the past. It’s all interesting, just a bit disjointed. I’m not really sure what Hessler is going for, and somewhat wish he’d just fully explained one person, fully explained another, etc, rather than jumping around in time and place. I feel this his method is likely purposeful, it helps impose the “tangled web” aspect he seems to feel is important, but it also makes it confusing as to who is who and who’s responsible for what.

Good book though, just be prepared for a lot more past than the back cover blurb would indicate- it takes up a good 3/4 of the book.