China Witness: Voices from a Silent Generation Review

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China Witness: Voices from a Silent Generation ReviewXinran traveled across China in 2005-06 seeking out the men and women who had experienced the vast changes of the modern era. She tells the stories of 20 ordinary people, average age in their 70's.
Unfortunately, the information volunteered by these people is limited - partly because of their likely lack of broader knowledge, and mostly due to cultural reticence. As early as the second millennium B.C., a Chinese criminal's family was punished as harshly as the criminal himself. Around 100 B.C. the people were grouped in units of 5 and 10 households, carrying out mutual surveillance and mutually responsible for each other's conduct. In the case of minor offenses, the criminal's family would be exterminated to between 3 - 5 degrees of association; with serious offenses this was extended to 9 - 10. This principle remained a mainstay of the Chinese judicial system until 1911, and also gave rise to powerful traditions of clan loyalty and fear of speaking out openly that is still an inhibition today.
Even media in today's China base reporting in line with this fear. Interviewees are often "led" to follow the central ideology of the party and to express personal views defined by these principles.
Thus, Xinran's accounts from those in the Cultural Revolution, the Great Leap Forward, the Long March, etc. is not able to convey the immensity of these tragedies.
Notheless, some of the interviews were of particular interest. One first involved a teacher at a Gobi Desert construction/military site. She received no raises for 30 years, supervised self-study until 11 P.M., and sometimes helped the children home during severe weather. Desks were made from mud covered with straw.
Altogether, incredible indicators of internal strength and stoicism. However, for broader perspectives I recommend "Mao," by Jung Chang, and "Chinese Lessons," by John Pomfret.China Witness: Voices from a Silent Generation Overview

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The Trinity Six: A Novel Review

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The Trinity Six: A Novel ReviewI have long been fascinated by true life tales of espionage, and so I was excited to pick up Charles Cumming's "The Trinity Six." Cumming has begun to make a name for himself within this genre, and it's easy to see why. In "The Trinity Six," he takes on one of the most notorious spy rings ever discovered and puts his own fictionalized spin on things. The Cambridge Five included Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, John Cairncross, Anthony Blunt, and Kim Philby. All students at Trinity College in the 1930s, these individuals were recruited by Russian Intelligence and took important stations within the British establishment before meeting their individual fates as the truth became uncovered. I have followed this stunning account in both non-fiction and fictionalized formats for years ("Another Country" with Rupert Everett representing Burgess--but named Bennett--is one of my favorite film incarnations of the group's early days). I'd undoubtedly describe myself as a bit of a nerd on the topic! In "The Trinity Six," Cumming presents a scenario in which there was a sixth spy--one that went completely undiscovered!
Set in modern day, the story revolves around a British historian (of Russian history) and author named Sam Gaddis. Gaddis happens upon what might be the biggest scoop of his life and soon becomes entrenched in finding out about the British Government's involvement in covering up this sixth individual. Things turn dangerous as those who have relevant details of the case start turning up dead. Never knowing who to trust or who to turn to, Gaddis starts unraveling the plot which includes espionage, double agents, and a treacherous secret big enough to topple a foreign regime. It's well conceived, if fairly typical fare, that is highlighted by a growing tension but little actual action. Those that like non-stop adventure may well be disappointed by this wordy tale of intrigue. There is so much exposition, explanation, and discussion within Cumming's story--I'd hesitate to categorize the book as a thriller. Not that I minded, but I have a pre-existing knowledge and interest in this specific topic. Easily, the first third of the novel has so much back story--it's literally people standing around talking about history! If you have no fore knowledge of The Cambridge Five, the beginning may be a bit of a slog.
That said, Cumming is certainly an entertaining and engaging writer. Even the driest early sections are rendered with a surprising intensity. Gaddis is an intriguing every man who has an inexplicable knack of putting himself in the wrong place at the right time. There is quite a bit of convenience and happenstance in this tale--perhaps too much--as things just fall into Gaddis' hands. The whole plot is balanced on the fact that two separate (and unrelated) parties provided him with necessary evidence at just the moment needed to kick off the adventure. But overlooking the flaws, I was fitfully entertained for the journey. I liked the British/Russian interplay, and I thought that the character who had the answers behind the elusive sixth man was terrifically complex! The book's biggest secret was serviceable and realistic, but the novel succeeds more with its interesting characters than with its startling revelations. A nice time killer, I'd rate this at 3 1/2 stars--rounding up for my intrinsic interest in the tale. KGHarris, 2/11.The Trinity Six: A Novel Overview

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