Written in 1995-1996, some of the material is obviously dated; however, the trip to the source(s) of the Yangtze as well as back in time was fascinating. I learned more about the ethnic minorities in China. The history of western nations meddling in Chinese affairs was enlightening; I knew some of it but Winchester expanded my awareness.

This was enjoyable as a travel read, but I thought there were some flaws in the narrative character. I couldn't connect with either Simon or Lily and found most of the specifics of their travel narrative deeply annoying. The book was redeemed by interesting facts in Chinese history knit together, if in a somewhat haphazard way. ( )

At over 3900 miles long the Yangtze is the river that divides China. South of the river is the rice growing part of China, and north of it wheat is grown. But this divide also brings together the nation, as it supports millions of people livelihoods, and hold the keys to some of China's earliest archaeology and history.

Starting at the mouth of the river in the city of Shanghai, Winchester, and his companion Lily, travel through a series of landscapes that are stark, polluted, varied and at times utterly beautiful. Traveling by boat on the river for a lots of the journey, he describes the people that he meets, the landscapes he sees, and writes about the changes that this river will suffer at the hand of man.

He is not scared to write critically of the Chinese government, in particular about the horrendous treatment of the Tibetan people when he reaches the headwaters of the river. But throughout the book he tells of the people that make this country unique and such a rich assault on the senses. ( )

What a journey. I enjoyed every page of this voyage up the Yangtze River. It's full of history and current views of China. It was not an easy trip, but I appreciate that Winchester made it so that I didn't have to. ( )

Story of the Yangtze - OK, but longwinded. I start to think that Winchester gets paid by the word!
Read in Samoa Jan 2003 ( )