In Manchuria

In In Manchuria, Michael Meyer blends memoir, contemporary reporting, and historical research to paint a vivid portrait of China's northeast territory. Living in the rice-farming community of Wasteland for three years, Meyer chronicles the dramatic changes affecting rural China, including the transformation of a once-communal area into a company town driven by modernization and organic farming initiatives. Through engaging local characters and rich historical context, he explores Manchuria's past, from imperial legacies to its role in significant global events, offering a profound insight into the region's impact on contemporary Chinese society.