Emily Hahn

Emily Hahn (1905-1997) was an American journalist, author and intellectual who wrote extensively about China and other parts of Asia during pivotal moments in 20th century history. She authored 52 books and more than 180 articles for The New Yorker, covering topics from Asian politics and culture to geology, feminism and animal behavior. Her most acclaimed works include "The Soong Sisters" (1941), chronicling the influential Soong family of China, and "China to Me" (1944), a memoir of her experiences living in Shanghai and Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation. While in China, she became involved with prominent Chinese poet and publisher Zau Sinmay and later had a child with Charles Boxer, a British intelligence officer. A pioneering female writer and traveler, Hahn broke numerous social conventions of her era by traveling alone through Africa, living openly with a Chinese poet in Shanghai, and working as a writer during times when few women held such positions. Her fearless approach to life and writing earned her both admiration and criticism from contemporaries. During her long career with The New Yorker, which spanned from 1925 to 1996, Hahn brought Asian culture and politics to American readers through a deeply personal lens, establishing herself as a respected voice on East-West relations. Her work continues to be valued for its intimate portrayal of China during a period of profound transformation.

Readers praise Hahn's direct, personal writing style and first-hand accounts of life in China during the 1930s-40s. Many note her ability to capture complex historical events through intimate storytelling. One reader on Goodreads calls her "refreshingly honest about her own flaws and biases." Readers appreciate: - Detailed observations of daily life in pre-revolutionary China - Blend of personal narrative with historical reporting - Independence and unconventional perspective as a female writer - Humor and self-awareness in her writing Common criticisms: - Some dated cultural attitudes and language - Occasional meandering narratives - Uneven pacing in longer works On Goodreads, "China to Me" averages 4.0/5 stars from 200+ ratings. "The Soong Sisters" holds 3.9/5 from 150+ ratings. Amazon reviews are similar, with most books maintaining 4+ stars but lower review counts. A recurring comment is that Hahn deserves wider recognition, with one Amazon reviewer noting: "Her voice and experiences provide crucial perspective on a pivotal period in Chinese history that few Westerners witnessed firsthand."

China to Me (1944) A memoir detailing Hahn's experiences living in China during the 1930s and early 1940s, including her time as a Japanese prisoner during WWII.

Hong Kong Holiday (1946) An account of Hahn's life in Hong Kong before and during its occupation by Japanese forces.

England to Me (1949) Chronicles Hahn's observations of post-war British society while living in London.

Times and Places (1970) A collection of autobiographical essays spanning Hahn's travels and experiences across multiple continents.

Love Conquest of the Orient (1944) An examination of relationships between Western men and Asian women throughout history.

The Soong Sisters (1941) A biographical account of the three influential Soong sisters who shaped modern Chinese history.

Leonardo da Vinci (1956) A biography exploring the life and works of the Renaissance polymath.

China Only Yesterday (1963) A historical analysis of China's transformation from the late Qing dynasty through the Republican period.

Eve and the Apes (1988) A study of women primatologists and their contributions to the field.

Fractured Emerald: Ireland (1971) A historical examination of Ireland's political and social development.

Diamond: The Spectacular Impact of Luxury on the World (1956) A comprehensive study of the diamond industry and its global influence.

Chiang Kai-shek: An Unauthorized Biography (1955) A critical examination of the Chinese Nationalist leader's life and career.

Pearl S. Buck wrote extensively about China in the early 20th century based on her experiences living there. She focused on cultural intersections between East and West and the lives of women in Chinese society.

Han Suyin documented life in China during periods of political transformation through both fiction and autobiography. She wrote about cross-cultural relationships and her experiences as a Eurasian doctor in Asia.

Agnes Smedley reported on Chinese politics and social movements while living there in the 1930s. She produced firsthand accounts of the Chinese Revolution and women's changing roles in society.

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala wrote about cultural displacement and expatriate life across India and other locations. Her work examined relationships between Europeans and locals in colonial and post-colonial settings.

Martha Gellhorn worked as a war correspondent and wrote about her global travels and experiences in conflict zones. She produced both fiction and non-fiction focused on international affairs and the human impact of war.