River Town : Two Years on the Yangtze

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Summary: Facinating Insights on China
Review: Having just returned from a 2 week vacation trip to China (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai) I wanted to learn more about what the average Chinese person really thinks and why. After one sees today's rapidly modernizing Beijing and Shanghai, it's not hard to understand why some say that while the 20th Century was the American Century, the 21st Century belongs to the Chinese. And, with our foreign policy on China seeming to change on a daily basis, I thought gaining some indepth knowledge on what's really going on in China couldn't hurt. Not only did this book fullfill my hopes of providing some interesting insights, but when related from the perspective of someone who actually knew the many Chinese locals he portrays indepth, this became a very compelling read. In fact, I stayed home all weekend because I just had to finish this book! A bonus was learning more about the past 50 years of Chinese history as seen through the eyes of the Chinese who actually lived it, sprinkled with Hessler's own American reactions and perspectives. You can't pick up these types of insights and gain this knowledge by reading a history textbook. Adding in the real-life humorous and perplexing situations that Hessler faced made this a facinating and compelling book to read. This is truly one of the most interesting and enjoyable books I have read in years!

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Summary: River Town
Review: In "River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze" , author Peter Hessler composes a compelling story that takes place in the small city of Fuling, a town settled on the Yangtze River within the Sichuan province of China. As a Peace Corps volunteer, Peter works at the local college teaching English and American literature to Chinese students. In his narrative, Peter relates his experiences of living in a dramatically different society of communist China. As the first American to reside in the city in over fifty years, Peter describes his struggles with his limited grasp of the Chinese language and the people's stereotype of a typical "American". With the story's progression, Hessler depicts his ability to adapt to the Chinese dialect and culture, and the people's gradual acceptance of him and his fellow volunteer, Adam Meier. This acceptance illustrates a general understanding that grows between Peter and those he interacts with. Hessler's illustrations of social and cultural differences allow his readers to become acquainted with many of the customs and traditions found within contemporary China. Hessler addresses issues such as reform within the country, weaving together China's history with its present progression. Through his vivid depictions of the people he encounters and the experiences he undergoes, Hessler provides an insightful illustration of the culture found within China. I found this novel to be a wonderful story that reflects the Chinese society.

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Summary: River Town
Review: River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze is the story of two Peace Corps volunteers who go to the small city of Fuling, China to teach at a local college. During these two years Peter Hessler is introduced to the dramatic differences of lifestyle and beliefs of the Chinese culture. I thought that the most interesting parts of the novel is when Hessler interweaves China's past history into the present story, and then relates events in the present with those of the past. In this way, Hessler is introducing the reader to both the current culture and also the history of China. Hessler does this to mark a changing point in Fuling's history. Fuling is about to be dramatically changed with the creation of the Three Gorge's Dam, which will flood the countryside and parts of the city. The dam will also turn Fuling from a small city to one of the largest seaports in China. Hessler's entrance into Fuling is also a turning point for the city because it is the first time in more than fifty years that a foreigner has been in Fuling. Hessler and his fellow teacher Adam Meier are forced to deal with the constant attention associated with being a "waiguoron". Hessler's story is important because the city of Fuling is representative of the entire Chinese nation, in that they have to cope with the changes that are being introduced with the re-opening of China. Hessler comments on the way the majority of the citizens of Fuling picture "Americans", and then describes how Adam Meier and him have to cope with these stereotypes. The citizens' of Fuling acceptance is mirrored with Hessler's attempts to learn the Chinese language. Hessler is constantly struggling with the differences in cultures, but as the novel progresses and Hessler learns the language better he is able to see more similarities between himself and the Chinese, and also the people of Fuling begin to accept him, and not see him as an outsider. In whole, I thought that Hessler's writing was excellent, vividly describing the people, culture and environment of Fuling. His writing provides the reader an accurate description of the city, people, and the culture.

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Summary: A Look into a Hidden Culture: River Town
Review: Peter Hessler's first novel demonstrates his powerful writing style with a description of a foreign culture, from a prospective that few can understand. River Town is the compelling story of Hessler's time in Fuling China and is a detailed account of, not only his experiences, but of a fascinating culture that we in this country know so little about. Hessler documents his two years of teaching in Fuling as a member of the United Sates Peace Core. This book has been described as a "bridge" that links the Chinese people and Americans in new and profound ways. I further add that my understanding of the cultural differences outside the United States has greatly increased due to the reading of this book. Despite the huge differences between the Chinese Communist culture and the American democratic capitalist culture, I found that by the end of Hessler's novel, I was persuaded to respect the similarities more than notice the differences between the two cultures and their peoples. In my opinion, this novel has replaced much of my High School textbook understanding of modern Chinese politics. I now believe that it is impossible to study the political history of a country without reading about the social repercussions that that history has on its people. This book gives insight into a foreign world through the eyes of a people's most impressionable class, children. Hessler shows the profound effect that the communist society has on the social and intellectual fabric of students. Ranging from concepts of plagiarism to the emotional repercussions of understanding Shakespeare, these youths teach Hessler what it means to live in the restrictive environment of modern communist China. Hessler's engaging writing style and genuinely interesting subject matter make this book a must read for any American who wishes to expand his or her knowledge of Chinese culture.

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Summary: Great book for those interested in modern Chinese culture
Review: Peter Hessler effectively depicts his two-year experience as a waiguroen-a foreigner, in the small city of Fuling, China. As a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English literature in a Chinese teacher's college, Hessler learns many of the aspects of Chinese culture. His students are indoctrinated in the ways of Communism, to the point that his students blatantly shun his in-class critiques of Chinese culture. Yet Hessler's students utterly respect him and his teachings to the point where they plagiarize their texts-a form of flattery in Chinese culture. As Hessler builds his grasp of the Chinese language, he gains more insight into the Chinese lifestyle by talking to Chinese who represent different aspects of Chinese lifestyle. Hessler records his conversations with peasant workers in trains, with a restaurant owner, and people he meets by sitting at a park bench. Hessler derives some common themes that I found intriguing: most Chinese respect Deng Xiaoping and his Reform and Opening initiative and most Chinese are ashamed of Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution. I would recommend that the reader learn about these historical events, because Hessler assumes the reader is familiar with them. Hessler also depicts the value in which Chinese hold money: it is commonplace for people to inquire of other's salaries, and men ostentatiously display their gaudy purses filled with money. Hessler discusses other serious issues as well-such as the clash between Chinese Socialism and American Capitalism, racism in both countries, and the lack of social mobility available for women in China. Overall, Hessler does an excellent job of portraying his experience as a foreigner in China. One sympathizes with his initial confusion and disorientation in being immersed in a environment replete with a entire city of people of the same race, a constant cacophony of honking horns and city noise, and the pressures of teaching in a Communist based college-where all his lectures are relayed to the administration to be screened for any false American ideologies. Yet one also feels a sense of joy in reading of his adjustment and acceptance into Fuling culture. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a genuine depiction of modern Chinese culture, as seen from the eyes of a scholarly, inquisitive American.

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Summary: Review on River Town
Review: River Town is Peter Hessler¡¯s autobiographical account of his life in Fuling city. In a part of China where many of the natives have never even seen a waiguoren (Mandarin for foreigner), Hessler relates his daily events and adventures throughout a two-year period in his life where he serves as a Peace Corps volunteer in teaching English at a local university. From the busy streets of Fuling, to the peaceful regions of Raise the Flag Mountain, Hessler vividly describes his surrounding habitat with details that one would not think to include. Simple descriptions like the unified motions of the Stick-Stick Army and the down-to-earth verbal exchanges between himself and peasant folk along a mountain hike are just a few experiences Hessler relates to the reader captivates his audience. Throughout the novel, several themes appear. The cultural differences between American ideas and Chinese ideas are clearly translated through Hessler¡¯s personal experiences. Another is the theme of noise throughout the novel. From the constant honking, to the local¡¯s verbal abuse towards Hessler, to the simple polite and genuine interaction between the locals and Hessler, the idea of noise is prevalent throughout the novel. I personally was not expecting this to be such an engaging reading assignment. But honestly, this book was perhaps one of the most interesting and well-written texts that I have come across in recent years. After the constant overflow of novels that never entertained me or kept my interest in high school, this is a welcome surprise. I strongly encourage all avid readers to go out and purchase this book.

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Summary: Shorts about Hessler's River Town
Review: Peter Hessler's River Town is a remarkable testament to the spirit of world peace. Without any grasp of the language, he is oblivious to the workings and mannerisms of Chinese people. His ingrained notions of the pitfalls of communism, and sense of capitalist righteousness at the beginning of his two-year stay are evident-and annoying. Through traveling, teaching, and learning to speak with the people in his surroundings, though, he transcends the boundaries of borders, forging friendships and understandings with his students, coworkers, tutors, and neighbors.

The building of the Three Gorges Dam and the acquiescence of the soon-to-be homeless Chinese peasants highlight Hessler's difficulty to understand new cultural habits. There are no violent uprisings or nonviolent protests; much less, the people do not even publicly oppose the project. In America, one would be expected to do quite the opposite if inconvenienced in a similar way: to raise hell. To say that the Chinese peasants did not care would be misleading; it is simply the way of these less action- orientated Asian cultures to not create unrest and draw attention to one's self. Hessler seems like he is confused when the beloved tradition of wrestling with authority is forgone for a plan of quiet disapproval. Through examples such as this, Peter Hessler shows that he evolves to know and appreciate the differences in American and Chinese mentality. Over, time, the author eloquently paints a picture of himself being dissolved into the vast mural of Fuling, becoming just a bright brushstroke of Western ways. In the maze of all the new traditions, he learns the art of self-control, participating in some while avoiding others.

With amazing success, Peter Hessler tells this story of bridging the Pacific at this time of international tension growing in the USA and China. Having grown up in a society with many of the same characteristics as Fuling, I was especially interested in reading another American's experience of being one of the first foreigners in an alien land. Peter Hessler is now in Beijing, writing for The New Yorker, and playing a vital role in facilitating contact and understanding between these two countries.

The building of the Three Gorges Dam and the acquiescence of the soon-to-be homeless Chinese people highlight Hessler's difficulty to understand new cultural habits. There are no violent uprisings or nonviolent protests; much less, the people do not even publicly oppose the project. In America, one would be expected to do quite the opposite if inconvenienced in a similar way: to raise hell. To say that the Chinese peasants did not care would be misleading; it is simply the way of these less action- orientated Asian cultures to not create unrest and draw attention to one's self. Hessler seems like he is confused when the beloved tradition of wrestling with authority is forgone for a plan of quiet disapproval. Through examples such as this, Peter Hessler shows that he evolves to know and appreciate the differences in American and Chinese mentality. Over, time, the author eloquently paints a picture of himself being dissolved into the vast mural of Fuling, becoming just a bright brushstroke of Western ways. In the maze of all the new traditions, he learns the art of self-control, participating in some while avoiding others.

With amazing success, Peter Hessler tells this story of bridging the Pacific at this time of international tension growing in the USA and China. I heard that now he is in Beijing, writing for The New Yorker, playing his vital role in helping along the relations of these two countries.

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Summary: Hessler's Fuling Fun
Review: Peter Hessler's River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, is the story of his experience coming into a poor town in China, Fuling, as a teacher at the local college. Hessler's descriptive writing gives the reader an idea of the kind of government and beliefs the Chinese have towards communism. His interaction with the local Chinese people is quite amazing as he develops and writes an unbiased opinion of everything that he observes. Hessler's detailed explanations of the Chinese are very helpful in understanding the mentality of a Chinese student as well. It is interesting to see the material and ideas that Hessler presents to his students who are raised in a pure communist environment. Through his connection with the students, the theme of patriotism becomes quite common. Hessler does an outstanding job in comparing and contrasting patriotism in Fuling and the United States. Hessler initially struggles in the town not knowing much Chinese and standing out as an American. In addition, the intrinsic communist beliefs in the students are hard to cope with. However, he pulls through after his two year adventure to write a beautiful novel that captivates the reader.

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Summary: Good but not Great
Review: I feel that although Peter Hessler did an excellent job describing the way the people of the Sichuan region of China live, he seems to try to attack too many subjects. He is able to describe very vividly the way the people live and act, but I feel that if he concentrated a little more on each subject, rather than introducing so many individual pieces to the novel, it would be so much better. One of my favorite parts of the book is when he enters the big race in town. He eventually wins the race, but instead of focusing on the way the Chinese took winning the race and the reactions of the people to it, he moves onto the next chapter. I was very interested to see how the Chinese, especially the peasant class, took a Waiguoren winning the defining athletic event of the year. As Hessler describes the tension himself "The leaders gave quiet instructions to our colleagues and students that they should avoid associating with us outside of class." (Hessler p 61) I feel that although the book is in part very good because of the many different examples of life on the Yangtze, it also detracts from the overall feel of the book. Reading it I felt that there were too many things going on in each chapter, and that I, as a reader, would prefer Hessler to focus on more specific things, and write with more direction in relation to individual topics. Although I feel that the book could be improved in this manner, I still feel that it is one of the best books that I have read this year. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn and understand other cultures, and the differences between the Chinese and American ways of life.

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Summary: A Good Read (with Chinese Characteristics)
Review: In one of the most culturally defining books in recent years, Peter Hessler explores the Chinese culture and proceeds to describe his life as a teacher in a town with strong communist roots during the end of the twentieth century. Peter Hessler brings to life his experiences and thoughts of the small, rural town of Fuling centered in the heart of mainland China. As a volunteer teacher who knows almost no Chinese at the beginning of the novel, Peter is sent by the Peace Corps with his friend Adam to teach English to a group of college students and give them the opportunity to appreciate American and British literature. Through the course of the book, Hessler shares his feelings and experiences on teaching a group of youths indoctrinated by the CCP as well as the beauty of nature and the life of a waiguoren (foreign devil). As Hessler progresses through the book, not only does he progress in his knowledge of Chinese language and culture, but his students begin to open up to him and see him as not just a foreign teacher, but as their mentor. These transitions between friendships and his life in general are very well written. He thoroughly investigates every aspect of Chinese culture and life as each chapter discusses a very specific point about his trip to Fuling. The novel reads in a chronological fashion, but there is a certain degree of randomness on a few of the subject that he touches on. Hessler also gives very beautiful descriptions of the natural beauty of China not only of the busy city of Fuling, but also of the countryside and more rural areas he encounters during his hikes. Although Peter describes in great detail his daily routine, his descriptions of his life or his teachings never become dry or monotonous. Fresh experiences are constantly altering his views on communist China and the effect it is having on its citizens. In the end, his experience is complete as he realizes what a fulfilling two years he has led on the Yangtze River. Hessler also makes a very accurate and balanced commentary on the political indoctrination of the students that he teaches. Often, Peter gives examples of writing samples that his students have turned in to him that are laden with communist propaganda that the students have been bombarded with since a young age. Hessler comments evenhandedly on many of the Chinese traditions and propaganda that he encounters on a day-to-day basis and how it effects his life and the lives of his students. Considering the political situation that we are currently involved in with China, this book is a necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the Chinese point of view. I would recommend this book without reservation to anyone who is seriously interested in learned about the Chinese culture from an American, yet unbiased, perspective. It is an excellent and fast read that deserves the highest praise as a very well written and informative novel about life in the heart of China.