Age of Ambition

Evan Osnos

Evan Osnos’s ‘Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth and Faith in the New China’ is an illuminating account of a fast-changing, rapidly evolving country and the one of the most remarkable transformations in human history. Osnos delves into the lives of the individuals behind some of the country's most prominent moments, from the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, to the rebellious artist Ai Weiwei, to the world’s most prolific billionaire investor, Ren Zhengfei. Through these engaging, powerful stories Osnos paints a vivid picture of contemporary Chinese society, revealing their struggle to reconcile old traditions and beliefs with their aspirations for modernity and the challenges they face in the pursuit of progress. He captures the myriad of contradictions in the country, from the astounding advances made in infrastructure, technology and society, to the seemingly neverending struggle of many to make ends meet in a growing economy where wealth inequality has skyrocketed and corruption still permeates. It’s a complex picture of today’s China, and an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in modern Chinese history, politics and culture. With a thrilling narrative and skilful analysis, Osnos has created a compelling book that will remain in readers’ minds for years to come.