I have been reading a wide range of books, understanding that I can learn from all. I admit to having had a previous aversion to reading memoirs. Some come across as self-indulgent and reek of ‘vanity press.’
That is not the case with China Blonde by Nicole Webb! This is a mesmerising memoir and well worth reading.
The Expat Life on Mainland China
Nicole’s life as an expatriate moving from Australia to the expat life in Hong Kong, followed by the time that Nicole, her husband, James, and young daughter, Ava, spend in the city of Xi’an in the heart of China, is fascinating. I felt like I was making the journey with the family, living vicariously through them, and getting to know and fall in love with their family throughout the book.
As an expat, it drew me into their life, and reliving mine. The book has a number of fascinating stories. Nicole is very open about her highs and lows, her challenges, how to overcome them. She openly shares her wins and losses along the way. Nicole provides a Western view into a culture going through a rapid transition and wondering if she can fit in, and wondering if her family has made the right decision. It is fascinating to see the transformation from surviving to accepting, to adapting and finally flourishing, reluctant to leave.
Learning about China
While I have had a lot of expat experiences, I have never lived in mainland China, even though my in-laws have, having spent three years in Kunming. Nicole and her family lived in Xi’an, the city known for its ancient Pagoda and its Terracotta Warriors. China Blonde brings you through a millennium of Xi’an’s history from ancient times to current day. If you want to understand what living in China is like (and not just living as a Westerner in Beijing or Shanghai), then this book is well worth reading. And it is available on Kindle Unlimited, so a free read for all KU subscribers (like me!)
Insights into Chinese Philosophy
I also loved and learned from the many Chinese proverbs at the beginning of each chapter. Some of the best include:
- Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.—Proverb
- A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.—Proverb
- Walking ten thousand miles of the world is better than reading ten thousand scrolls.—Proverb
- A diamond with a flaw is worth more than a pebble that is perfect.—Confucius
I really enjoyed reading about the trip they took to Tibet and the quality of Tibetan barley. Being a whisky guy, I loved learning about different grains. My upcoming novel, FALSE TRUST, is about a special whisky and the barley used to make it, so I had to research Tibetan barley and find out more. And yes, there is a Tibetan whisky that you can buy! (No guarantee on its quality as I have not tasted it, but now in the process of sourcing a bottle!)
A Highly Recommended Read
China Blonde is a great memoir, a great read. Check it out! This book is a highly recommended read, and can be purchased in the following Amazon stores:
0 Comments