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Book Review Archives
Title: China Ramblings
Author: Suzanne Rowe
Publisher: Suzanne Rowe
Copyright: 2007
ISBN: 9780977520848
Genre: Autobiography/Missions
Book Size: 176 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Koorong Books
I would be hard pressed to find a book with a more appropriate title than China Ramblings. It is an uplifting, gentle, eye-opening journey through China, through the eyes of Australian author Suzanne Rowe. Filled with stories from both her own experiences and those of others, it is a delightful ramble around this amazing part of the world--stopping to enjoy the sights along the way.
Suzanne was a cross-cultural worker in China for twelve years, teaching English as a second language, and amassing endless memories and experiences. This is not a dry autobiography, or one filled with facts and details. It's a patchwork quilt of experiences and stories that will, at times, make the reader laugh out loud, and at other times bring a tear to their eye. It is the sweetest of blends.
One of the things that makes China Ramblings so very special is the obvious humility of the author. There is no superiority in her telling of these stories--either toward the reader or the Chinese people. Instead, there is a transparent honesty and, often, self-deprecating good humor. Her love and respect for the Chinese people, and their culture and customs, shines through every story.
From the first very humorous article, Orientation for New Cross-Cultural Workers, through to the final page of Suzanne's story in China, the reader is immersed in the sights, sounds and spirit of this nation. In her gentle way, and without preaching, the author manages to smash a multitude of preconceived ideas about China and its people--at least, she certainly did in my case.
The stories in China Ramblings are fresh and full of life, each one no more than three to four pages long. This makes it the perfect book to dip into for a quick boost of inspiration. Every story stands alone and includes a point to ponder at the end.
There are so many wonderful stories in this delightful collection that it's almost impossible to select personal favorites. However, the one that comes immediately to mind is the story of Grandma Li, the cleaning woman Suzanne "inherited" when she moved into her apartment. After reading her story, you will never look at a thriving potted plant the same way.
The stories in China Ramblings are not Suzanne Rowe's alone. There are also several re-tellings from the lives of others. Some are people the author has met on her travels. Others are from China's rich history. These stories provide some of the most moving aspects of the book, adding much to the author's own experiences. The only minor criticism is that in the telling of these stories, the author chose to write them as though through the eyes of the people involved. This does lead to a moment of confusion for the reader until they realize there has been a switch from Ms. Rowe's point of view to that of another person. However, this slight confusion passes very quickly once the reader adjusts to the flow and feel of the book--and it is a book that flows beautifully from start to finish.
The final story, Teach a Man to Fish, is a bittersweet, but perfect, finale to our rambling journey with Suzanne. It is the moment when she realizes that the Chinese Christians were now enthusiastically taking on the job of "fishing for men" in their own nation. It's a realization that is both joyous and a little sad. In the author's own words:
Could it be, Lord? Is it time to move on? To give up my dreams of being another Mother Theresa or Hudson Taylor? To leave the local people here to get on with their own fishing?
I know that you couldn't possibly want me to give up fishing. But perhaps it is time to move to a different part of the ocean.
It isn't all about me.
I've gone fishing. I've made a contribution. Now I'm ready to go home.
Whether you have an interest in mission work or not, this is a book for every reader. Suzanne Rowe's time in China may be at an end, but through China Ramblings she has now moved to a new and equally beautiful fishing hole. I recommend it to all readers, without hesitation.
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