Red China Blues

Reviewers widely praise this memoir for its unique and invaluable first-hand perspective on modern Chinese history. The author's rare experience as one of the first Western students at Beijing University during the Cultural Revolution, followed by her return as a journalist covering major events, provides an unparalleled insider-outsider view. Her writing style is frequently lauded as excellent, engaging, compelling, and remarkably light-hearted, managing to be both humorous and insightful despite the serious subject matter. Many appreciate her honesty and self-deprecating reflection on her past idealism, which makes her personal journey fascinating. The book is consistently described as informative, offering astute observations and a clear picture of China's evolution through turbulent decades, particularly her detailed accounts of significant historical moments.

Despite its strengths, the book draws criticism, particularly regarding the author's portrayal of herself in the first half. Some reviewers find her early naivety, idealism, and privileged perspective to be frustrating or even "dangerously stupid," feeling she doesn't fully acknowledge or express remorse for her past actions and beliefs. There's a perception that her initial zeal for Maoism is later replaced by an equally strong, and sometimes unbalanced, antagonism, leading to a lack of perspective in her later analysis. A few readers found the narrative to be overwritten at times or felt that the second half, while still interesting, was less unique or satisfying than the initial chapters. For some, the author's personality makes her an unsympathetic narrator.

Ultimately, the book is highly recommended by most reviewers, who consider it a fascinating and important chronicle of China's transformation. It is seen as a compelling memoir that offers deep insight into the country's social and political landscape from the 1970s through to the late 1980s and early 1990s. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in Chinese history, cultural comparisons, and world politics, as well as those who enjoy well-written personal accounts of unusual lives intertwined with significant historical developments. It is also suitable for readers who appreciate an author's candid exploration of their own evolving beliefs and are prepared for a nuanced, sometimes critical, portrayal of the protagonist.