Following in the tradition of travel writer Paul Theroux, Polly Evans is a malcontent and never seems to enjoy her travels. However, where Theroux is a charming curmudgeon who shows a vast knowledge of his surroundings and a strong interest in the local people, Evans is a whiner who has very little respect for Chinese people and their culture.
A quick read, Evans visits many places where the scenery sounds amazing. She makes China sound beautiful and inspires a definite respect of ancient culture. However, the author conveys that traveling through China is a miserable experience, from the modes of transportation to the people she meets. Her lack of respect for the Chinese cultural construct of face makes her seem quite the Ugly American -or Ugly Brit, in this case. I do not recommend this book.
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