NPR's Book of the Day
'At the Edge of Empire' traces China's history through Edward Wong's family
Jul 8, 2024
Author Edward Wong discusses his book tracing his family's journey in China, exploring their experiences during Mao's regime, migration to the US, and the complexity of China's history. The discussion also delves into the perceptions and rivalry between China and the US amidst economic and military expansion.
09:10
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Edward Wong illustrates China's history through his family's journey and political disillusionment.
- Wong navigates dual perspectives on China, emphasizing cultural complexities and dispelling political stereotypes.
Deep dives
Edward Wong's Approach to Storytelling
Edward Wong uses his family's story, particularly focusing on his father, to illustrate the broader history and changes in China. Wong's father's journey, from being a patriotic citizen to leaving for America, exemplifies the impact of political ideologies on personal choices. Through this microcosm, Wong emphasizes the complexity of individuals' relationships with their homeland and the government, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between governmental actions and the attitudes of the populace.
