Publisher's Synopsis
From an award-winning journalist and one of the leading China correspondents of his generation comes an eloquent and vivid chronicle of the world's most successful authoritarian state - a nation undergoing a remarkable transformation. On the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympics, capitalism has brought prosperity and global respect to China but the Communist government continues to resist the demands of its people for political freedom. At times disturbing, at times uplifting, this groundbreaking book takes us inside the battle for China's soul and into the lives of individuals struggling to come to terms with the nation's past - the turmoil and trauma of Mao's rule - and to take control of its future.
'A stunningly researched and crafted book, filled with tales of individual heroism, triumph and heartbreak. Pan shares his subjects' relentless curiosity and drive to find truth' Rachel deWoskin, author of Foreign Babes in Beijing: Behind the Scenes of a New China
'Pan has brought great patience and a rare sensitivity to political reporting. This is the story of how power actually works in China' Peter Hessler, author of Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China
