Behind the Wall

Behind the Wall chronicles Colin Thubron's solo journey through China in the 1980s, during a period when the country was just beginning to open up to Western visitors. Thubron travels thousands of miles by train, bus, and boat, from Beijing through remote provinces and ancient cities. The narrative follows his encounters with people from all walks of life - factory workers, farmers, students, and local officials. Through conversations and observations, he documents the complex realities of a nation in transition, balancing traditional culture with rapid modernization. As Thubron moves through both urban centers and rural villages, he explores historical sites and examines the lingering effects of the Cultural Revolution. His status as an outsider allows him access to candid discussions about politics, family life, and social changes. The book stands as a snapshot of China at a pivotal moment, revealing the tensions between communist ideology and emerging capitalism, between ancient traditions and modern ambitions. Through careful observation rather than judgment, Thubron presents the paradoxes of a society in flux.

Readers value Thubron's intimate portraits of ordinary Chinese citizens in 1986, captured through conversations that reveal personal struggles during China's early reform period. His observations of daily life and interactions with locals provide perspectives rarely seen in other China travelogues. Readers appreciate: - Detailed descriptions of remote regions and lesser-known cities - frank discussions with Chinese people about the Cultural Revolution's impact - historical context woven into travel narratives Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dense and academic - Some passages focus too heavily on architectural details - Western perspective sometimes feels judgmental of Chinese customs Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) Reader quote: "Thubron doesn't just observe China, he gets inside its skin through meaningful conversations with people from all walks of life" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note the book remains relevant for understanding modern China despite its 1980s setting.

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🔹 Colin Thubron learned Mandarin specifically for this journey, spending a year studying the language before traveling through China in 1987, during a pivotal time of early economic reforms. 🔹 The author traveled over 10,000 miles through China, mostly by public transport, including crowded trains and buses, giving him intimate access to ordinary Chinese citizens' daily lives. 🔹 The book captures China at a unique historical moment - after the Cultural Revolution but before the Tiananmen Square protests, documenting a society in rapid transition. 🔹 Thubron was one of the first Western writers to visit many remote areas of China after it reopened to foreigners, providing rare insights into regions that had been closed off for decades. 🔹 During his journey, Thubron visited the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam, which would later become the world's largest hydroelectric power station and permanently alter the landscape he described.