One man's struggle, one generation's coming of age, and one nation's transformation.
In 1985, Chen Mo, a farmer's son, entered the Qingjiang County Party Committee compound. He thought he'd be dealing with documents and newspapers, unaware that he had just stepped into the surging tide of reform and opening up.
From the county seat to the provincial capital, from inexperience to maturity. State-owned enterprise reforms, development zone booms, financial crises, the fight against poverty... Over the course of thirty years, he faces a choice at every turning point of history. Friends become rivals, confidants become strangers. Amid the whirlpool of power, money, and ideals, can he hold on to his original commitment to speak up for the people?
This is not one man's memoir of life in government. It is the story of a great nation weathering momentous change.
