ORACLE BONES by Peter Hessler

Just wanna type in a few words about Peter Hessler's ORACLE BONES before I leave for a shower. Hessler is doubtless one of the best writers on China in nowadays America. He views things from a Western perspective for sure, but is unbiased and fair. Here and there in his writings are brushes of delicate sentiment, but are kept within a reasonable level and never get overwhelmed. What impresse me the most is his sensitivity about language and words, which help his mind to wander wildly and thus endows his writing a texture of amazing creativity. He's obviously well-trained in dealing with facts, something easily detectable in his clear-cut patterns of structure; but his feeling gets the best of it when it comes to details, which contribute the most to his books success, and partly guarantee its popularity in both Western and Chinese reading circles. He doesn't need any facial expression; the details speak out all the better in his place. Who would painstakingly collect all the details in life if he cares any less?

I became fascinated in his writing several years ago when I read his RIVER TOWN, and this time his ORACLE BONES turns out even better. I am glad to see his effort finally pay off.