China to Me

China to Me is Emily Hahn's memoir of her time living and working in China and Hong Kong during the 1930s and early 1940s. As a journalist for The New Yorker, Hahn documents the social and political transformation of China during this pivotal period. The narrative follows Hahn's experiences teaching English at universities, forming relationships with Chinese intellectuals, and reporting on daily life under Japanese occupation. Her position as both insider and outsider allows her to capture the complexities of Chinese society during a time of upheaval and war. Hahn writes with directness about her unconventional choices and experiences as an independent Western woman in Asia. Her observations range from intimate portraits of friends and colleagues to broader commentary on cultural differences and colonial dynamics. The book stands as both historical record and personal testament, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the challenge of understanding another culture from within. Hahn's refusal to romanticize or oversimplify her subject makes this a significant contribution to Western writing about China.

Readers appreciate Hahn's firsthand account of China in the 1930s-40s, particularly her candid writing style and personal experiences during a pivotal period. Many note her unique perspective as an independent woman living and working in China during tumultuous times. Positives: - Detailed observations of daily life and culture - Humor and wit throughout - Raw, honest portrayal of relationships and encounters - Historical insights into pre-war and wartime China Criticisms: - Some find the narrative structure disjointed - A few readers note dated cultural attitudes - Middle sections can drag according to multiple reviews Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (137 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) Notable review: "Hahn brings pre-war China alive through small details and personal stories rather than sweeping historical statements" - Goodreads reviewer Another reader notes: "Her writing style takes getting used to - it jumps around in time and place, but provides authentic glimpses into a fascinating era."

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🔸 Emily Hahn wrote "China to Me" while living in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong during WWII, smuggling the manuscript out piece by piece through underground networks. 🔸 The author became addicted to opium while in China and later kicked the habit by gradually reducing her dosage - an experience she candidly describes in the book. 🔸 While in Hong Kong, Hahn had a relationship with Charles Boxer, the British head of intelligence, and gave birth to their daughter while he was imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp. 🔸 "China to Me" was published in 1944 while WWII was still ongoing, making it one of the first Western accounts of life in Japanese-occupied China to reach American readers. 🔸 Emily Hahn was one of The New Yorker's first female staff writers, contributing to the magazine for over 70 years and writing 54 books during her lifetime.