Standout exploration of fabled and ancient geo-political rivalries in the Far East

The question of how to deal with the crimes of history links directly to the pushback from the nationalist right wing, exaggeration for propaganda purposes by authoritarian governments and the related theme of reconciliation and its challenges, with the author exploring the phenomenon deftly exploring the reasons for seemingly sincere apologies being deemed insufficient and thus unacceptable. I chose this title against my instincts (as I would not usually wish for the eyes of an outsider — in this case, a Western perspective) on the recommendation of a native of one of the Tigers, and am very glad I did.

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Very interesting travelogue of China, South Korea,

Very interesting travelogue of the history and current relationships between China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, by Michael Booth

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Entertaining, insightful, and steeped in learned conversation, but…

these issues are so politically charged that their treatment will be controversial no matter what. Other reviews have suggested a bias toward Japan in the author, yet I think he recognises this and offers a remarkably accessible insight into these bitter national conflicts by discussing it with anyone from YouTubers to anthropology professors. To pair such traumatic national history with the experience of travelling said nations today is a fascinating project. Somehow, the disturbing history of comfort women and Japanese imperialism is balanced by the humour of a Korean man playing golf in torrential rain, or a mini locomotive. A very good book.

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Informative political travel diary, not unbiased

I agree with the other reviewers saying the author's Japan apologism is rather blatant, and there were times I felt offended on behalf of the Korean people especially when the author describes even their waiters, cars and architecture unfavourably in comparison with Japan. He emphasises atrocities committed by the Japanese, and yet you always hear the "but" hovering, and generally it shows up, too. There are no buts for the war crimes of China or Korea.

That being said, it is informative and in parts insightful, rather entertaining, and I emphatically agree with the author that it would benefit the region (and the rest of the world) if history was written and taught as it happened, to the best of our collective knowledge, instead of being subject to politics or a sore national pride. (That one goes to my history teacher in junior high who tried to make the Finnish Continuation War sound noble.)

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Insightful, informed and entertaining

A wonderfully well-researched and well-written exploration of three Asian cultures. Humane and witty: like the very best journalism. Excellent as an audio book for long car journeys as well as for a book at bedtime. Also a joy to listen to a narrator who has taken the trouble to learn the correct pronunciation of foreign place names (sadly not always the case on Audible).

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Hugely informative

I struggled to understand how someone so knowledgeable about the topic could get almost every Korean word or name so badly wrong but then I saw that it was not read by the author. Taking a step back, the author has a brilliantly engaging style and the narrator's British accent ensures that every point is portrayed with conviction. Well worth listening to.

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absolutely amazing book

this is one of the book you would wish to come back again after awhile

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Great

Very accessible and engaging writing style and the narration is done with conviction. Balances entertaining writing style with informative and interesting facts and history. Highly recommend.

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Somewhat breezy journey through harrowing conflcts.

Whether or not you will like this audiobook depends in part on your feelings about the way the narrator says the word ‘restaurant’. It’s a word that he says a lot and in a very posh over the top way.
The author is very biased towards Japan. But as a reader who was very new to the topic of this book, it was a nice introduction to the subject. It’s not an in depth analysis, but a stroll through key points. It’s strength is that it’s told through people the author meets and he lets them tell their stories throughout the book.

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