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Smoke And Mirrors by Pallavi Aiyar - Book With Me

In this book, Pallavi Aiyar reflects on her five years in China, from 2002 to 2007. Though some parts are now outdated, much of her experience remains relevant today. Aiyar begins as a young Indian woman teaching English at the Beijing Broadcasting Institute, initially knowing little about Chinese politics or culture. Over time, she witnesses China’s rise as the world’s 4th largest economy. Her first encounter with Chinese society is through her students, who study journalism in a country with strict press controls—quite different from India’s chaotic but free media. Her attempts to discuss controversial topics reveal that her students are more concerned with personal freedoms, such as fashion and dating, rather than broader societal issues. Aiyar also covers Beijing’s frantic makeover for the 2008 Olympics, noting the emotional toll on residents displaced by neighbourhood demolitions. Her time in China coincides with the SARS pandemic, where she observes the government’s efforts to downplay the outbreak and how fear led to pets being slaughtered in the streets. One particularly engaging chapter explores life in Beijing’s traditional "hutongs," capturing the strong sense of local community. Aiyar also shares her experience travelling on the first train from China to Lhasa, Tibet, providing insight into China's rapid transformation into a global manufacturing hub and its complex relationship with India. Aiyar concludes by pondering whether she’d prefer to be born Indian or Chinese, acknowledging that for the poor, China offers better access to basic needs, while in India, money can compensate for government inefficiencies. This insightful book is a great starting point for those curious about life in China.