The Middle Kingdom - Tapa blanda

‘An exhilarating book...wonderful and generous insights...Ms Barrett has captured a truly authentic Beijing.’ Amy Tan

‘With “The Middle Kingdom”, Andrea Barrett further consolidates her position as one of our most thoughtful chroniclers of contemporary life...“The Middle Kingdom” is another impressive milestone in what promises to be a long and fruitful literary journey by an accomplished American author.’ Cleveland Plain Dealer

‘Andrea Barrett does not flinch from large subjects, yet her uncanny investigations into human curiosity are sensual and soul-enhancing, and always underlit by splendid intelligence.’ Howard Norman, author of ‘The Bird Artist’

‘Her work stands out for its intelligence...the overall effect is quietly dazzling.’ New York Times

A lyrical, moving novel of the choices and confusions that face a married woman whose understanding of herself explodes on first contact with the energies of China and a Chinaman.

Grace Hoffmeier is never quite sure where to invest her energies: in her dying marriage to star scientist Walter or in the possible affairs that flare so startlingly before her like fireworks; in her work or in her home; in things or in people; in the past or in the future.

On an eye-opening trip to a China that has ripped itself apart, yet again, at its very heart in Tiananmen Square, Grace finds – with guidance from unexpected quarters – that what you can choose between is not always your choice to make. The real China soon crackles into being before Grace; its fire and light illuminate for her paths old and new, and a new life in a new kingdom.