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Liked It “This is an extremely funny book, especially for any foreigner who has lived or spent any amount of time in China - I could relate to a lot of what Polly wrote. Her travels across China are hilarious” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This is an extremely funny book, especially for any foreigner who has lived or spent any amount of time in China - I could relate to a lot of what Polly wrote. Her travels across China are hilarious”
Helen B wrote this review Friday, December 14 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I just finished reading Polly Evans book - Fried eggs with chopsticks. Here is a review:
Priya A wrote this review Sunday, November 11 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The book is a witty, day-by-day account of Polly's travels through modern China; I liked the book because it was friendly, candid and almost in-your-face honest. Polly manages to humanise the experience of travel and is a refreshing change from travel writers who always seem to know too much and do too much. (She is ONE travel writer who admits she was tired, had had enough, was angry / sad / upset).
Polly is ever the curious bystander, keenly observing the lives and methods of everyday China. It is also remarkable that Polly made this trip almost entirely on her own, without too much help from producers/directors/pageboys and the like. The cross references to historical facts and stories are well woven into the fabric of the story and it makes for easy reading. Also, thank heavens, no epiphanies.
On the flipside, like most western travellers, Polly but manages to skim the surface and fails to comprehend and appreciate the dichotomies that exist in eastern societies today. The book gives the feeling of being written only for a western audience. I wish it were a little more "global" in outlook.
The book is a breeze, a whiff of fresh air on a warm summer day. I cant say I will remember a lot of what I have read, but will remember what a pleasure it was to read this book. ”
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