Expat in China

The Chengdu Blues

Non-Fiction - Memoir
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 12/30/2013
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Expat in China: The Chengdu Blues by Greg Rhodes has China as a backdrop. Greg Rhodes and Heidi Rogers are two fresh graduates who go to China from the U.S. Though adventurous, with their little experience of traveling they find themselves in a tight spot. They want to go back without finishing their program. Then they decide to adjust and stay, and are witnesses to the historic events that swept China in 1989. They start getting the feel of the place gradually while China is undergoing its transition phase. The two English professors at the Chengdu University find their footing after some hiccups.

The adventures and experiences of these two new English professors are endearing. The book reveals the culture and traditions of China during that time. The author has spoken about the difficulties of adjusting to a new country and their culture while feeling homesick. It is also the story of two young people working in a foreign land. They become friends and they adjust and find their own comfort space. Their patience and endurance while getting adjusted to the new place is remarkable.

The book is an exciting read, not only because it speaks about two people but it also tells the reader a lot about China, the country, the transitional phase it was going through, the traditions, culture and the essence of that country. The author has observed everything with a sharp eye and put it down for readers to experience and that is what makes the book worthwhile.