The Death of Woman Wang

Step back in time to rural 17th-century China and witness the tragedies of life in T'an-ch'eng, a county plagued by floods, disease, and heavy taxation. By combining accounts from local histories and memoirs, Chinese historian Jonathan D. Spence creates a vivid picture of everyday life and an emotional drama played out by a tax collector, farmer, and his unhappy wife. Their tragic story culminates in heart-wrenching loss, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in this remote corner of China.