Ian Buruma’s The China Lover is a richly layered and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of history, identity, and the allure of cultural reinvention. Told through three intertwining narratives, the book follows the life of Yamaguchi Yoshiko, a Japanese actress who became a cultural icon in China during World War II under the name “Li Xianglan.”

Amazon rating 4.2 out of 5 (26 ratings)