Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of China Mountain Zhang

China Mountain Zhang
China Mountain Zhang
Author: Maureen F. McHugh, Maureen F. McHugh
ISBN-13: 9780312852719
ISBN-10: 0312852711
Publication Date: 3/1992
Pages: 313
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 3

3.5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Tor Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

althea avatar reviewed China Mountain Zhang on + 774 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was the 2nd book I've read by Maureen McHugh, although it is her first.
I have to admit, I preferred "Mission Child" - but this was pretty good as well. McHugh is an excellent writer, with a real gift for creating vivid, complex and believable characters.

However, I felt the structure of this book was slightly awkward - the main plot follows Zhang, an American of half-Chinese heritage, in a near-future where China has become the dominant world power.
Every so often, the story goes on a tangent, exploring the lives of people that come into contact with Zhang - a settler on Mars that he tutors, athletes involved in a dangerous sport (cybernetic hang-gliding, basically), and a girl that he reluctantly takes out on a few dates.

Each of these scenarios remarkably quickly comes to life - but remains tangential to the plot. Each dilemma faced by these sub-plot characters is only partially resolved. Much like real life - and I believe it was intentional on the writer's part - but it's still somewhat frustrating.

The book also has a tendency to, every so often, "jump ahead" a few years - so, although we see Zhang's growth from irresponsible young man to well-respected engineer, it seem to occur in a jerky, slightly disorienting rhythm rather than a flow...

Regardless of these small things, I'd highly recommend the book - it's a pleasure to read, and deeply insightful of human nature, with a thought-provoking look at a possible near-future...
reviewed China Mountain Zhang on + 130 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
an interesting view of the future where the Chinese are the most powerful group.
reviewed China Mountain Zhang on + 522 more book reviews
Award winner.