Book Review Chinese Whispers: A Journey Into Betrayal 
by Jan Wong
Book Review: Chinese Whispers: A Journey Into Betrayal
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As one of two Westerners admitted as a student to Beijing University at the peak of the Cultural Revolution, Jan Wong was approached by a fellow classmate who wanted help in leaving China to visit the USA. Being a devout Maoist, Wong reported her without considering the consequences and thought no more of the matter.
However, upon discovering her diary over 30 years later, Wong is horrified to recall the incident. Consumed with guilt, she returns to Beijing with her husband and two sons, determined to discover what happened to Yin Luoyi.
The memoir primarily follows Wong’s investigation as she contacts former friends and acquaintances in order to locate Luoyi. Flitting between past and present, she also provides her personal account of life in Beijing at that fascinating point in Chinese history whilst entertaining the reader with her family’s experiences in the city.
Tackling betrayal and forgiveness, communism and capitalism, this is a wonderfully diverse memoir. Wong’s feelings of anxiety, remorse and hopefulness result in a satisfying zenith; an easy five stars.
pb, Atlantic Books, £8.99
Posted on Wednesday 3rd March 2010
Hannah Cooper
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