Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory – Peter Hessler

Based in Beijing, and covering the period between 2001 and 2007, Peter Hessler has drawn on his six years as the holder of a Chinese driving licence to write Country Driving, whose three sections – road trip, village and factory – combine to form one fascinating book revealing the day to day workings and impact of politics, economy, society in China in the early 21st century.

One of the best books I’ve read for a while, as the speedy read attests.

PS Don’t pay too much attention to the Chris Patten quote they’ve put on the cover of the paperback. I finished this book in tears.

Amazon.co.uk: Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory – Peter Hessler