Donna (bookowl) - , reviewed The Lady and the Panda : The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal on
Helpful Score: 3
This is a non-fiction piece that almost reads like a novel. In a fascinating story about a socialite turned adventurer, Ruth Harkness leaves Manhattan for the wilderness of 1930s China and leads an expedition to capture and bring back the first Giant Panda. This well-researched work offers an interesting snapshot of the period, touching upon the political unrest in China, the changing role of women, US foreign relations, cross-cultural relationships, and the beginnings of the conservation movement. One comes away with an appreciation of the land, people and culture of China. Great book for discussion!
