Beijing Blur by James West (Penguin)

This is the true story of an Australian radio journalist who spent a year in Beijing working for communist radio and learning more about China, communism and himself.

I have to admit the book grabbed me from the start when I recognised the first four people West describes in his opening chapter.

But if you’ve never been to China you’ll be swept up in the energy, contradiction and confusion that is modern Beijing.

West is quite open about his homosexuality as well which is refreshing and while it is a theme running throughout Beijing Blur, it’s not the be all and end all of the book.

West offers readers an insider’s view of how China works, how the young people think, what they think about democracy, the internet, sex and sexuality and how the government operates.

The text is also sprinkled with West’s musings on his own life, youth, love and growing up.

This is a light-hearted look at the behemoth that is modern China and in light of the coming Olympics one of a number of books on the topic.

What makes Beijing Blur stand out from the crowd, though, is West’s unique take on China, a perspective that’s different enough to be refreshing and enlightening at the same time.

Share this article