Book description
A lyrical, moving novel of the choices and confusions that face a
married woman whose understanding of herself explodes on first contact
with the energies of China and a Chinaman.
Grace Hoffmeier is never quite sure where to invest her energies: in
her dying marriage to star scientist Walter or in the possible affairs
that flare so startlingly before her like fireworks; in her work or in
her home; in things or in people; in the past or in the future.
On an eye-opening trip to a China that has ripped itself apart, yet
again, at its very heart in Tiananmen Square, Grace finds - with
guidance from unexpected quarters - that what you can choose between is
not always your choice to make. The real China soon crackles into being
before Grace; its fire and light illuminate for her paths old and new,
and a new life in a new kingdom. 'An exhilarating book…wonderful and
generous insights…Ms Barrett has captured a truly authentic Beijing.'
Amy Tan
'With “The Middle Kingdom”, Andrea Barrett further consolidates her
position as one of our most thoughtful chroniclers of contemporary
life…“The Middle Kingdom” is another impressive milestone in what
promises to be a long and fruitful literary journey by an accomplished
American author.' Cleveland Plain Dealer
'Andrea Barrett does not flinch from large subjects, yet her uncanny
investigations into human curiosity are sensual and soul-enhancing, and
always underlit by splendid intelligence.' Howard Norman, author of 'The
Bird Artist'
'Her work stands out for its intelligence…the overall effect is quietly
dazzling.' New York Times Andrea Barrett lives in Rochester, NY. She
is the author of five novels, and two collections of stories, Ship
Fever, which won the National Book Award in 1996, and Servants of the
Map, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2003.
