No other narrative from within the corridors of power has offered as frank and intimate an account of the making of the modern Chinese nation as Ji Chaozhus The Man on Maos Right. Having served Chairman Mao Zedong and the Communist leadership for two decades, and having become a key figure in Chinas foreign policy, Ji now provides an honest, detailed account of the personalities and events that shaped todays Peoples Republic.The youngest son of a prosperous government official, nine-year-old Ji and his family fled Japanese invaders in the late 1930s, escaping to America. Warmly received by his new country, Ji returned its embrace as he came of age in New Yorks East Village and then attended Harvard University. But in 1950, after years of enjoying a life of relative ease while his countrymen suffered through war and civil strife, Ji felt driven by patriotism to volunteer to serve China in its conflict with his adoptive country in the Korean War.Jis mastery of the English language and American culture launched his improbable career, eventually winning him the role of English interpreter for Chinas two top leaders: Premier Zhou Enlai and Party Chairman Mao Zedong. With a unique blend of Chinese insight and American candor, Ji paints insightful portraits of the architects of modern China: the urbane, practical, and avuncular Zhou, the conscience of the Peoples Republic; and the messianic, charismatic Mao, student of Chinas ancient pasthis countrys stern father figure.In Jis memoir, he is an eyewitness to modern Chinese history, including the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, the Nixon summit, and numerous momentous events in Tiananmen Square. As he becomes caught up in political squabbles among radical factions, Jis past and charges against him of incorrect thinking subject him to scrutiny and suspicion. He is repeatedly sent to a collective farm to be reeducated by the peasants.After the Mao years, Ji moves on to hold top diplomatic posts in the United States and the United Kingdom and then serves as under secretary-general of the United Nations. Today, he says, The Chinese know America better than the Americans know China. The risk is that we misperceive each other. This highly accessible insiders chronicle of a struggling people within a developing powerhouse nation is also Ji Chaozhus dramatic personal story, certain to fascinate and enlighten Western readers.A riveting biography and unique historical record, The Man on Maos Right recounts the heartfelt struggle of a man who loved two powerful nations that were at odds with each other. Ji Chaozhu played an important role in paving the way for what is destined to be known as the Chinese Century.Praise for The Man on Maos Right Brave, beautifully written testimony . A true fly-on-the-wall account of the momentous changes in Chinese society and international relations over the last century.--Kirkus ReviewsIt is a relief to read an account by an urbane and often witty insider who neither idolizes nor demonizes China's top leaders . . . . Highly recommended. Library Journal, starred reviewFrom the Hardcover edition.
