The Middle Kingdom

First person narrative (with flashbacks) of drifting, unfulfilled academic, overweight wife, inappropriately named Grace.

Things are brought to a crux at a conference in China, echoing her bond with her dead Uncle Owen who had strong ties to the place. Not as much about China as I'd hoped (though a fair bit of recent history is thrown in), but the psychological self-analytical slant makes it interesting. However, I didn't really like any of the characters. Even though Grace blames herself for all sorts of things (especially emotionally-related weight problems), it also feels as if she blames all the problems in her life on everyone but herself.

Precise writing about a woman who follows her husband to Beijing for a scientific conference, falls out of love with him, and deeply in love with the country and its people. Story of inner journey and transformation, paralleled with change examplified by the Tienanman Square demonstrations.