The man on Mao's right. From Harvard Yard to Tiananmen Square, my life inside China's Foreign Ministry by the Chinese author Ji Chaozhu 冀朝铸 has remarkably few readers on LibraryThing; only about 30 to date, nearly eight years since its publication in 2008.
That was the year of the Beijing Olympic Games, a time presumably many people would be interested to pick up a book about China. The title of the book refers to the author, shown on the cover standing to Mao's right, a somewhat enigmatic title, of course. The subtitle is long and complicated From Harvard Yard to Tiananmen Square, my life inside China's Foreign Ministry

Mr Ji Chaozhu is of course a rather insignificant figure, not a politician but an interpreter wo served Chinese political leaders for several decades. However, Mr Ji was mostly employed and enjoyed the protection of Prime Minister Zhou Enlai while he only occasionally interpreted for the Great Helmsman, Mao Zedong. Nonetheless, his position gave him a unique perspective, as he could not only observe the unfolding of Chinese contemporary history, but see it from the rostrum of the Meridian Gate, right next to the men who made history.

Although the author largely received protection from China's Prime Minister, he did not escape hardship and suffered greatly during the Cultural Revolution, as he was sent to the countryside for reform through labour with the peasants.

The man on Mao's right is very well-written, and mainly a factual account of Chinese modern history. It describes many of the well-known episodes with great detail, and probably more accuracy than many western authors who tend to exaggerate and speculate more. Mr Ji Chaozhu is never really critical or hostile to the Chinese leadership, but neither tries to cover things up.

Before publication by Random House, The man on Mao's right was published in two earlier, presumably different editions in China. These editions sold very well, although it is not explained in which was those Chinese editions were (if so) different from the current edition.

For readers with an interest in Chinese contemporary history, particularly the period from 1949 till 1980, The man on Mao's right. From Harvard Yard to Tiananmen Square, my life inside China's Foreign Ministry is warmly recommended. The subtitle of the book quite incorrectly suggests that the book would describe Chinese history up till 1989, whereas there is just a short coda describing the authors career as an ambassador after 1982. ( )

It was very interesting to read about so many facets of China's history and political strife from an insider such as Ji Chaozhu. ( )

Interesting memoirs of a man who survived many years of the turmoils of being in China's leadership. Good stories and lessons throughout. "Survival diplomacy", as he says, is required in these circumstances. ( )