Chinese Profiles

These 100 interviews of ordinary Chinese citizens provide unusual glimpses into everyday life in the People's Republic. ""The Cyclist'' rides across town to work in all kinds of weather because the buses are overcrowded. Liu, a salesman in a Xinhua bookstore, discusses salaries, duties and personal matters. (When asked about women, he says, ``I want a girl of good character with a clean political record and good-natured.'') One of the most interesting interviews is of Li Xiaohang, who tells what it's like playing volleyball for the state and painting in her spare time for her own pleasure. All in all, these accounts are rich in detail. Unfortunately, the questions asked of the subjects are never given, so many interviews have the distracting feel of one-sided conversations. Nonetheless this is a must for those interested in contemporary Chinese life. (February)