The narration of the story is quite another matter. I also admired his courage in getting out among the people and his persistence in learning the language. The author is a keen observer of daily life and an excellent writer. Having spent a year in China at about the same time referred to in this book, it brought back many memories of the China of that period. Would Berkrot say Zhohn and Zheff?Įxcellent book let down by poor narration It has a 'J' because it sounds the same as John or Jeff. If Berkrot 'must' read your work, tell him its 'Bei 'J'ing. Hessler has spent so much time in China - why would he want someone to read his book that does such a poor job with Chinese names and words? I hope Hessler is reading these, as I'm sure he'll keep writing about China, and I hope he can find someone who can at least get, say 5% of the pronunciations in the realm of acceptable. The pity of it is, while Hessler's hardbacks are on my top shelf, Berkrot is, hands down, the 'worst' narrator for Chinese-themed books that I have listened to - nobody butchers like Berkrot. I guess my collection of Audible books with Chinese topics and themes would probably rival any other collector's, so I consider myself a knowledgeable critic on this subject.

I recognize that I am biased because I live in China and know when Chinese is being butchered, and I recognize that the cringes I have to deal with at every other word are partially my problem. The books are all 5-Star, but Berkrot is a lousy choice for books filled with Chinese characters and Chinese words. What I don't understand is why Hessler would allow Berkrot to read his books. However, I prefer Audiobooks, because of my lifestyle. Having lived in China for 16 years, I am an avid fan of Hessler's work, and have hard copies of all three books as well as the audiobooks.

Country driving by peter hessler