A Map of Betrayal

Ha Jin (Waiting) returns to the subject of the complex relationship of China and the West, following the twin story lines of Gary Shang's career as a spy for China and his adult daughter Lillian as she tries to understand her father's life and choices many years after his capture and death. Gary finds himself increasingly taxed by his love of two families and the two countries they represent as he rises through the ranks at the CIA. Lillian travels through China meeting and connecting to the family her father left behind to spy for his country and finds that she must help one of them escape her father's dark fate. The narration by Angela Lin is strong, with solid character differentiation. This is an excellent spy story in the le Carré style, with a potent focus on character and conflicting loyalties. The Chinese setting will appeal to those with an interest in contemporary China and modern Chinese history.