Book review: China in Ten Words

I first heard about the book from the Indian author of The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy. I finally went through the book, and the following is a quick overview.

China in Ten Words, written by the contemporary Chinese author Yu Hua, is a thought-provoking book that provides a unique perspective on modern Chinese history and society. Through ten seemingly simple words, such as “People,” “Leader,” and “Disadvantage,” the author delves into complex and sometimes controversial aspects of Chinese culture, politics, and economic development.

Each word is used as a starting point to examine a particular aspect of Chinese society and how it has evolved over the past few decades. For example, the author explores the meaning of “People” and how it has changed as the Chinese population has grown and become more diverse. He also sheds light on the concept of “Leader,” and the role leaders have played in shaping Chinese history, from Mao Zedong to the current political system.

One of the standout features of China in Ten Words is the author’s ability to provide insightful commentary on various issues, from economic growth and political stability to individual freedoms and human rights. The book raises thought-provoking questions about…