Lost on Planet China

By: J. Maarten Troost

Narrated by: Simon Vance

J. Maarten Troost charmed listeners with his humorous tales of wandering the remote islands of the South Pacific in The Sex Lives of Cannibals and Getting Stoned with Savages. When the travel bug bit again, he took on the world's most populous and intriguing nation.

As Troost relates his gonzo adventure - dodging deadly drivers in Shanghai, eating yak in Tibet, deciphering restaurant menus (offering local favorites such as cattle penis with garlic), and visiting with Chairman Mao (still dead) - he reveals a vast, complex country on the brink of transformation that will soon shape the way we all work, live, and think.

This insightful, hilarious narrative brings China to life as you've never seen it before.

©2008 J. Maarten Troost (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Well worth the listen

Best Troost book I’ve read so far. Very funny. China will not be going on my bucket list, but I’m glad I got to experience it through Troost’s eyes.

Funny but harsh with some underlying truth.

This book is different in scope than Troost's previous books but is similarly sharp and witty. It is at times harsh and unflattering to China but reveals at least as many shortcomings about the author. I would not depend upon Troost for accurate historical or demographic details but he does provide an entertaining perspective on the chaos of modern China as seen by a (far) outsider. For a more balanced view from a China insider I would recommend "China Road". It also is not very flattering to China at times but is not as "over the top" as Troost.

Simon Vance; redeemer of one long whinge?

China is another country - they do things differently there.

I suspect strongly that Simon Vance's narration is all that saves this book from utter unbearability - his soothing, very British intonations smoothing-over and camouflaging a tale that should, in justice, probably be delivered in a nasal, wheedling, north-American whine.

The Chinese, you see, in Troost's eyes, simply cannot do anything right.

His account is in the gonzo comic style, and might almost be compared to Bill Bryson, except that Troost has little interest in the locals' opinions. After all, he has so many of his own to give us.

Make no mistake - this is an entertaining account, and doubtlessly, of course, much of his criticism is justified, particularly of the regime. But it's striking how his cynicism - and, I'll add, his skepticism - switches off the moment he crosses the 'border' into Tibet.

Probably one to digest before traveling there yourself for the first time, on a forewarned is forearmed basis; hell, after all, it's unlikely your own experience would be worse!

Thanks for writing this book

China is one of those places I'd rather not visit, but knowing something about it is another thing. Troost's book educates and entertains at the same time. Sure, it is but one person's account, but Troost is has a keen eye and a clever wit. The book is a delight and the narration is superb.

This book made me want to go.....

I can't praise this China-travel book enough. It's very informative, funny and descriptive. I will be traveling to China for sure after listening to it!

I love Troost but...

I adore this author. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be a fan of the travel genre. What I love about his books is he his ability to walk the line between irreverence and respect for other ways of life. He is not afraid to state an opinion or ignore PC decorum but also depicts through his story a greater understanding and depth of the culture in which hes immersed. He has a charming way of describing the awkward and often amusing confusion that happens when unfamiliar cultures meet. He also interweaves history without seeming boring.
So needless to say I could not wait to get my hands on this book, or er my ipod. I have studied China in school for many years and have friends who live there or have lived there.
I was disappointed. Maybe it is because he did not live in this area like in his previous books but the book has little continuity and he fails to grasp so much of Chinese culture. I was also horrified by his depiction of Chinese history. He generalizes such a great deal of the history in a biased and inaccurate manner. Whether it is their ancient history or current times, Troost just did not get the Chinese. I don't think he liked China much at all. There is a falseness about his writing that becomes even more obvious when his journey takes him to Tibet, which he obviously did like and relate to, and his writing all at once seems more easy and honest. He is not blatently hostile. He generally tries to be fair but does not seem to gather the empathy that is evident in his earlier books. This is evident in the title, to him China is another planet and he does say this. I don't feel his heart was in this book.
That being said, it is worth a listen. Just don't take his interpretation of history too literally, especially the ancient. The book is not fluid and does not seem as put together or complete as his previous novels. This writing is more what I'd expect from a professional blog than a book. I hope the next one is better.

Single Best Travel Book on China

Over the last ten years I have spent a lot of time in China. Listening to this book brought back memories of my first few trips and my impressions of Chinese people and culture. As a "westerner" I can tell you that this is by far the most accurate description of travel in China. As I tell my friends, travel in China is always an adventure and you have to approach it that way.

Incredibly Humorous Book about China Travel

What made the experience of listening to Lost on Planet China the most enjoyable?

While extremely informative, the book was quite funny. The narrator was likely a factor in presenting an audiobook which caused me at numerous points to burst out laughing.

What did you like best about this story?

This book is about the travel all over China of a man from California whose family was considering moving to China. He traveled not only to Beijing and the coastal cities, but also to Tibet and the northern provinces. He did this as an individual who spoke very little Chinese.

Fascinating - for those of us who know nothing about China!

Wow! This book is an entertaining and terrifying look at China. Recently, in Florida, an adult woman told me that “China is similar to the US - just an Asian version.” I, of course, disagreed with her, but that was before listening to this book. Now, not only do I disagree with her, but now, after listening to this book, not only do I disagree with her, but I am horrified by how little Americans know about China’s Government policies. Also, I am horrified by the degree of pollution described.
The book was funny and witty in the authors social commentary sort of way.
At a point, I was slightly suspicious that perhaps the author had a negatively bias view on China. So I did research some of his observations. I was disturbed to discover his facts in regard to everything I questioned were accurate. California IS affected by China’s pollution, the air quality IS below standards in the majority of Chinese cities, AND they have been harvesting prisoners’ organs. There were many other revelations that I was astounded by - although I’m not sure why. I am of the age where I remember watching the Tiananmen Square Massacre on the nightly news as a kid. I suppose I had assumed the Chinese government policies would have become more *civilized* or even vaguely more humane. This book was quite a wake-up call.

The narrator is wonderful. I have purchased books he narrates just because he chooses excellent books and he has a great voice.

Just like being there

This book brought me right back to my travels in China. The smells, the sights, the chaos. He describes it perfectly, with wit and humor. I haven't read a more accurate portrayal.