A TRAVELLER IN CHINA

by Christina Dodwell ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 12, 1986

For those who lust after unusual and exotic places or admire those adventurous spirits who seek them out, then Dodwell's book is the ticket. In a vigorous, straightforward style, she brings us face to face with the people of China--Han, Kazahks, Mongols, Uighurs, Tibetans, and others. She will make you feel her own pleasure in sharing a yurt with nomads and feasting on hot tea, boiled mutton and sour-milk bread deep-fried in oil. She is a throwback to the explorers of old. No luxury hotel for her--give her a knapsack, a handy camel or Mongol pony, and she is ready for anything. One is amazed constantly at her flexibility, and resourcefulness, e.g., the inflatable canoe she carries across the vastness of China. She has an admitted edge on most westerners since her China connection goes back to her grandmother, and although she herself is modest about it, she does pretty well in Mandarin and a few other dialects. Even when she can't converse in words, she seems to be able to communicate in other ways. High-spirited but sensititive to those she meets, she records them as they are, sometimes timid and fearful, other times, pushy and truculent. The book's charm is in the author's love of adventure and her efforts to understand all she comes across. The beauty and vastness of the land, its mountains and deserts are awesome. We are made to walk each step with her--and enjoy the arduous trek immensely. Travel writing of great enthusiasm and heart, and one of the better books of the genre. A wonderful armchair companion.

Pub Date: March 12, 1986

ISBN: 159048147X

Page Count: -

Publisher: Beaufort

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION