Author:  Evan Osnos

“Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China” by Evan Osnos provides a deep dive into the rapid transformation of China over recent decades. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Evan Osnos, a former Beijing correspondent for The New Yorker, spent years observing and documenting the profound changes in China. His book captures the essence of these transformations through the lens of individual stories, highlighting the clash between personal aspirations and the authoritarian grip of the Communist Party.

1. Rise of the Individual: Osnos explores how the Chinese people’s pursuit of personal success and freedom is reshaping the nation’s social and political landscape. This rise of individualism is juxtaposed against the state’s efforts to maintain control.

2. Economic Boom: The book delves into China’s economic miracle, detailing how the country transitioned from poverty to becoming a global economic powerhouse. Osnos attributes much of this growth to the ambition and resilience of ordinary citizens rather than government policies alone².

3. Cultural Shifts: Osnos provides insights into the cultural changes sweeping through China, from the influence of Western pop culture to the growing importance of personal faith and truth-seeking among the youth¹.

4. Political Tensions: The narrative also covers the political tensions and the government’s attempts to suppress dissent and control the narrative, highlighting the ongoing struggle between authoritarianism and the people’s desire for more freedom¹.

Reviews

• Goodreads: The book has a rating of 4.25 out of 5, based on over 8,000 ratings. Readers appreciate Osnos’s narrative style and his ability to weave personal stories with broader socio-political themes¹.
• Four Minute Books: This review highlights the book’s exploration of how ordinary Chinese citizens have driven the country’s rise to power, emphasizing the role of individual ambition and resilience².
• Penguin Books UK: Praises the book for its thorough reporting, thoughtful analysis, and engaging writing, capturing the diversity and dynamism of modern China³.
• BookBrowse: Commends Osnos for his keen sense of irony and narrative verve, revealing the battleground between aspiration and authoritarianism in contemporary China⁴.

Overall, “Age of Ambition” is celebrated for its insightful and compelling portrayal of China’s rapid transformation, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern China.

Source:
(1) Age Of Ambition Summary and Review – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/age-of-ambition-summary/.
(2) Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in t…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490568-age-of-ambition.
(3) Age of Ambition – Penguin Books UK. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/419548/age-of-ambition-by-evan-osnos/9780099589976.
(4) Summary and reviews of Age of Ambition by Evan Osnos – BookBrowse. https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/9520/age-of-ambition.
(5) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490568-age-of-ambition.