This book is a rarity - a view of China from a Westerner who adopted the country as his home, rather than from a traveller 'passing through'. The letters written by the author over a period of five years flow on almost without a break as he first records his impressions on an impulse visit and then his growing commitment as he settles down to a prolonged stay, working as an English language instructor.
The China into which the young American David Kellogg plunged in 1984 was in the throes of transition, and he vividly conveys the effects of this on the people their hope, excitement, bewilderment and anxiety. His letters continue through the events of Spring 1989, describing in detail the occupation of Tiananmen Square as seen and reacted to by students and teachers in the provinces.
Proficient in several Chinese dialects, David Kellogg relates conversations with peasants, intellectuals, doctors, writers, artists, truck-drivers and shopkeepers from all over China. His translations of some satirical sketches and stories by young Chinese writers, friends of his, enrich the picture.
IN SEARCH OF CHINA tells the story of a young man maturing in a country he now feels to be his own. What emerges is a portrait of both a man and a country at a time of profound change.
David Kellogg studied Chinese at the University of Chicago and Arabic in Tunisia before going to China. At the date of the last letter included in this book he faced an uncertain future.
Soft cover

Condition: Good