Riding the Iron Rooster

Once Theroux gets into China, he tends to get lost in the vastness of it, as well as the restrictions of having his own special companion specially selected by the folks in the People's Republic. These are minor quibbles, with Theroux I treasure every paragraph, as he puts the effort into making every paragraph important and interesting. Riding the Iron Rooster is no exception. Of course so much has changed in China since the mid-80's, and Theroux addresses these changes in his newer collection Fresh Air Fiend. Theroux observes the places and people in China in his own usual way, he is curious and unsentimental (some say grouchy). My favourite book in this genre is still The Old Patagonian Express, but Iron Rooster is not far behind.


Riding the Iron Rooster   May 15, 2001
 4 out of 8 found this review helpful

Paul Theroux invites us to join him on the journey of lifetime, in the grand romantic tradition, by train across Europe, through the vast underbelly of Asia and in the heart of Russia, and then up to china. Theroux took readers into the dark heart of the human soul. In nonfiction title Riding The Iron Rooster, he took them to the far corners of the world. Now. He embarks on an unforgettable journey into enigmatic post-Cultural Revolution China for the most beguiling book on Asia. Here is china by rail, as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of one of the most brave and insightful travel writers of our time. Theroux took readers into the dark heart of the human soul. In nonfiction title Riding The Iron Rooster, he took them to the far corners of the world. Now. He embarks on an unforgettable journey into enigmatic post-Cultural Revolution China for the most beguiling book on Asia. The author Paul's practiced eye, adventurous spirit and rich prose produce a vivid memoir, full of people and talk and war, outspoken conversations about the private life of china today, the Cultural Revolution and Mao, about writing novels, growing fruit, and the details of everyday life; about discontent, loyalty and the possibility of a better life in America.


Delicious (except some of the food)   July 18, 2000
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This was a deliciously written book, full of narrative that captures the soul and takes it straight to China. And even the food, occasionally a bit more than peculiar, was described brilliantly. Wonderful people, fascinating history. A fully satisfying book. I intend to sit right down and read it again.


Valuable and informative   February 28, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

For me the value of this book lies in its detailing of life in China during the period between the end of the Cultural Revolution (1976) and before the massacre in Tiananmen Square (1989), a period not often written about. China isn't much like this anymore, thank God, but the book remains valuable and informative to anyone interested in modern Chinese history.