Add to Stack
56,000 words
Synopsis
Letter from China is a poignant and irreverent diary of the author's yearlong (2001-2) experience of teaching English to college students in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. From the very first pages, the author draws you into his struggle with a culture worlds away from his comfort zone. The author’s generous and compelling personality allowed him to gain access to the lives of his students and their families, who became characters in his tale. One can experience the author’s wit and humanity throughout the narrative.
The author's humorous view of China is especially timely and dovetails with the current explosion of interest in that country as it enters the modern world. The book is neither a travelogue nor a look at the government, although elements of those subjects are woven into the story. Instead, it is an engaging look at China, tailored toward those who know little about it. Still, those who have lived and/or traveled there will also enjoy the book as it reminds them of the absurdities they, too, experienced.
Similar to this book
Story Elements
Setting
Geography: | Asia |
---|---|
Realism: | A true story to the best of the author's knowledge |
Setting Type: | Urban (city) |
Time Period: | 2000 - 2009 |
Main Character
Age: | Middle-aged |
---|---|
Gender: | Male |
Race: | Caucasian European |
Religion: | Irrelevant |
Sexual Preference: | Heterosexual |
Styles & Themes
Humor: | Humor throughout |
---|---|
Inspires Reader to Feel: | N/A or None of the above |
Mysteries & Puzzles: | None or only very minor mysteries |
Pacing: | Time to savor, deliberate |
Physical Action: | Negligible physical action |
Political/Social Commentary: | Politics play a minor role |
Romance: | No romantic elements |