by David Eimer
Acknowledgements
All travellers are reliant on the kindness of strangers. A travel writer is even more so. I owe a great debt to the many people who spoke to me about their lives and assisted with introductions. Aba, Angelina, Billy, Christina, Julia, Li Qingmei, Mr Kim, Nang, Paul, Pemba, Piao, Rayila, Samphel, Tenzin and Yu Shumei were especially central to the writing of this book. Sadly, given the sensitivity of the subject matter, I am unable to print their real names. I wish I could.
My agent Ben Mason has been a huge support over the years. The excellent advice of Michael Fishwick, Anna Simpson and Peter James at Bloomsbury was crucial in turning a mere manuscript into a book worthy of publication. Needless to say, any mistakes, or shortcomings, are all mine. My family and friends have been an ongoing source of encouragement.
The following people aided me in different but vital ways in my seven and a half years in China, during my research and travels and as I wrote this book – thanks to you all: Anastasia Arkharova, Paul Atherley, Jasper Becker, Natalie Behring, Andrew Chant, Rayhan Demytrie, Laurent Dupin, Peter Foster, Colin Hinshelwood, Jiang Feng, Jin Guangzhu, Jin Ni, Kakharman Khozhamberdi, Justin Kiersky, Nikolay Kukharenko, Eva Li, Lily Li, Zoe Li, Elena Mezhakova, Malcolm Moore, Peter Simpson, Richard Spencer, Chris Taylor, Piero Vio, Samara Yawnghwe, Sean Yu and Xiao Yu.
Copyright © 2014 by David Eimer
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eISBN: 978-1-62040-364-8
First U.S. Edition 2014
This electronic edition published July 2014
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