China Past and Present

This book is interesting for two reasons. It is primarily a reflection by Pearl Buck on her long years in China and developments in the country after she was forced to flee. It also contains her descriptions and interpretations of photographs of Chinese scenes by well-known photographers. Near the end of the book she laments that she will never be able to return to China to see the country she loves. The book even includes a copy of a letter from the Chinese embassy denying her request to visit, citing her criticism of the Communist government. Recommended for fans of Buck and those interested in mid-20th Century Chinese history.