Review: The Fat Years: A Novel (盛世—中國2013年)

The Fat Years by Chan Koonchung

Really interesting novel (the speculative fiction aspect is very light). I can see how it can be a hard read for people without any modern Chinese (post-1949) background.

If you enjoy or can slog through the political commentaries in the book, the book rewards you with a look at a potential China in the next decade or so. Outside the core story, there are many relevant pieces on current China - politician’s powers, young generations’ lack of understanding on June 4th / Cultural Revolution / Maoist era.

With current US politics, it’s likely to have accelerated this potential future (US getting out of the TPP for one).