Simon Winchester‘s travel book is subtitled A Journey up the Yangtze, and Back in Chinese Time, which lead me to expect more devotion to history than the book contains (although when Winchester delves into history he weaves fascinating and insightful passages): I finished the book wanting more of the unique character of Chinese history (e.g.: Chan Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Tai Chi, et cetera).

Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the book; and, as I flipped back through its pages, I noticed that I scribbled copious notes in the margins, which is usually a good sign. I would describe the book as an adventure-travelogue, with many remarkable facts and incidents presented along the way (e.g.: when Winchester is within the hut of a self-proclaimed master herbalist, he peruses the many visitor’s comments and finds an entry by John Cleese: “interesting bloke — crap tea” (p.327)).

At times, the book becomes a lengthy lament for the state of a once great country, but the journey through the pages is well worth the effort.

Recommended