China in One Village: The Story of One Town and the Changing World

Liang Hong's book China in One Village combines family memoir, literary observation, and social commentary to explore the seismic changes in Chinese society and the hollowing-out of rural communities due to emigration, neglect, and environmental degradation. It became a bestselling book in China and resonated with many readers who saw a mirror of their own families in her observations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

After spending a decade away from her ancestral family village, Liang Hong returned to her rural hometown in the landlocked Hebei province. What she discovered was a family torn apart by the seismic changes in Chinese society, and a village hollowed out by emigration, neglect, and environmental degradation. Combining family memoir, literary observation, and social commentary, Liang's book became a bestselling masterpiece in China, earning her widespread fame.

Across China, many readers found resonance in Liang's remarkable and vivid interviews with family members and childhood acquaintances, seeing a mirror of their own families in her observations about the largest rural-to-urban migration in modern times. China in One Village tells the story of contemporary China through the eyes of one clear-eyed observer, one family, and one village.

Liang's book offers a poignant and insightful portrait of a country in transition, exploring the complex web of social, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped China's modern landscape. Through her personal experiences and observations, Liang sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the rural Chinese people, highlighting the resilience and determination of those who have remained behind while grappling with the rapid changes sweeping their communities.

One of the most striking aspects of China in One Village is Liang's ability to capture the essence of rural life in China. She paints a vivid picture of the countryside, with its rolling hills, verdant fields, and traditional architecture. She also delves into the daily lives of the villagers, exploring their customs, traditions, and values.

Liang's book is not without its challenges, however. Some readers may find her style of writing to be somewhat academic or dry, and some may question her portrayal of certain characters or events. Nonetheless, China in One Village remains a valuable contribution to the literature on contemporary China, offering a unique perspective on a country that is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

In conclusion, China in One Village is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding contemporary China. Through her personal experiences and insightful observations, Liang Hong offers a unique perspective on a country in transition, shedding light on the complex web of social, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped China's modern landscape. Whether you are a student of Chinese history, culture, or society, or simply someone who is curious about the world around you, this book will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insight.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839761775