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The China Lover
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The China Lover
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
When Sidney Vanoven is sent to occupied Japan, in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, it is his dream posting. By day, he works in the censor's office watching Japanese films; at night he immerses himself in the sensual pleasures of Tokyo.
Ian Buruma's epic novel is the richly imagined story of one woman's struggle to survive in the face of war and occupation in the Far East during the Second World War. It should appeal to anyone who loved Memoirs of a Geisha. 'Spare, elegant... Buruma's writing is wonderful... So beautifully executed that the reader is swept along.' Vanora Bennett, The Times
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Description
'An extraordinary story... told wonderfully well' Victoria James, Independent
When Sidney Vanoven is sent to occupied Japan, in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, it is his dream posting. By day, he works in the censor's office watching Japanese films; at night he immerses himself in the sensual pleasures of Tokyo.
His job leads him into the circle of the beautiful film star Shirley Yamaguchi, a passionate and indomitable woman, whose wartime secrets hint at deception and betrayal. As he learns more of her story it seems to echo Japan's own dark secrets...
In The China Lover, Ian Buruma has created an exhilarating saga of war-torn Japan that is epic in scale, richly imagined and vividly populated. It is quite simply unforgettable.
'Richly textured and full of fascinating detail' Mariella Frostrup, Observer Christmas Books
'Packed with colour and incident... An extraordinary feat' Robert Hanks, New Statesman
'Passionate and intimate' James Urquhart, Independent on Sunday
'An exciting and revealing novel. Strange and beguiling' Susanna Jones, Literary Review
'Buruma skillfully weaves his tale around the real events of Yoshiko's extraordinary life, with well-known names such as Frank Capra, Truman Capote and Sam Fuller appearing among the supporting cast. Insightful and intriguing' John Walshe, Sunday Business Post
'With a sharp yet generous eye, Buruma explores the moods and sensibilities of the movie business in wartime Shanghai and postwar Tokyo. The China Lover overflows with intriguing characters, finely drawn and true to the spirit of the history it covers.' Seth Faison, Los Angeles Times
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The China Lover by Ian Buruma has been praised for its extraordinary narrative and depth, with reviews highlighting it as a brilliantly imagined and convincing novel. Readers find it a pure pleasure to read, noting the author's complex and rich vision throughout the story.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781843548027
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 July 2009
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Atlantic Books
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 375g
Pages: 320
Collections
About the Author
Ian Buruma is the Henry R. Luce Professor of Human Rights and Journalism at Bard College in New York state. His previous books include God's Dust, Bad Elements, The Wages of Guilt, Anglomania and Murder in Amsterdam, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Current Interest Book and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize. He was the recipient of the 2008 Shorenstein Journalism Award, which honoured him for his distinguished body of work, and the 2008 Erasmus Prize.
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