China in Ten Words

'A brilliant memoir of China... beautifully narrated, carefully analytical and at times personally courageous.' Guardian

A powerful, intimate look at the Chinese experience from the years of the Cultural Revolution to the present day, told through personal stories from one of China s most acclaimed authors. Framed by ten words and phrases common in the Chinese vernacular, China in Ten Words reveals as never before the world s most populous yet often misunderstood nation. Characterised by Yu Hua's trademark wit, insight, and courage, he presents a refreshingly candid vision of the 'Chinese miracle' and all its consequences, from the singularly invaluable perspective of a leading writer living in China.

Yu Hua is the author of four novels, six collections of stories, and three collections of essays. His work has been translated into more than twenty languages. In 2002, he became the first Chinese writer to win the James Joyce Award. To Live and Chronicle of a Blood Merchant were named two of the past decade's ten most influential books in China by Wen Hui Bao, the largest newspaper in Shanghai. Yu Hua lives in Beijing.