Land of Big Numbers

"Land of Big Numbers" by Te-Ping Chen is a captivating and compassionate debut collection that aims to vividly give voice to the modern Chinese people and their diaspora. The book takes readers on a journey through China's diverse history, government, and present-day struggles, as portrayed through a mix of clear-eyed realism and tongue-in-cheek magical realism. Whether following the paths of twins with vastly different ambitions, a woman haunted by her violent ex-boyfriend in the city, or a man seeking fortune in China's volatile stock exchange, Chen's stories offer a poignant portrait of people striving for opportunities where mobility is limited. This remarkable cultural critique is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on modern China.