Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane GilmanBack-of-the-book blurb: In 1986, Susan Jane Gilman and a classmate (Claire) embarked on a bold trek around the globe starting in the People’s Republic of China. At that point, China had been open to independent backpackers for roughly ten minutes; the two friends plunged into the dusty streets of Shanghai. Unsurprisingly, they quickly found themselves in over their heads–hungry, disoriented, stripped of everything familiar, and under constant government surveillance. Soon, they began to unravel–as their journey became increasingly harrowing, they found themselves facing crises that Susan didn’t think they’d survive.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: It is rare that I read a book after listening to the audio – life is short, and my bookcases are full of great books waiting to be read. Yet, even though I reviewed the audiobook of Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven just four short months ago, I jumped at the opportunity to read and review the newly-released paperback. The audio was an abridged version, and I didn’t know if I was missing just a few paragraphs or a few chapters. What I did know was that I wanted more.
Having now read a full print version of the book, I’ll tell you, I still want more. I plan to read Gilman’s back list – she has written two previously published books, Kiss My Tiara and Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress – and to be on the alert for other essays and titles. Heck, I enjoy her writing so much that I’d read her grocery list, expecting it to be full of wit, observation, and honest self-assessment!
Observations like this awareness of the all-too-common “we’re Number One!” American attitude:
We Americans are the teenagers of the world, brimming with enthusiasm and arrogance, innocence and narcissism, creativity and emotion, thinking we know everything, that we’re invincible, that the world revolves around us.
and here, where expectations and reality crash:
We had assumed … that traveling would elevate us to a higher level of consciousness, that by backpacking through China, we’d absorb great wisdom the way a chunk of bread might soak up a plate full of sauce – that our minds would dilate with insight – and wherever we went, we’d spout razor-sharp cultural observations worthy of great philosophers. Instead, as we trudged around Shanghai … our thoughts became nearly pre-verbal: Can I eat that? This is itchy. I need to pee.
and one more; a kind of foreshadowing when Susan and her friend Claire befriend a local:
Although Jonnie’s English was excellent, he was unable to reproduce certain sounds. Instead of … Susie and Claire, he said Sushi and Crair. His accent laid bare all his hopes and vulnerabilities. I suddenly understood why people struggled to get rid of their accents … An accent is a form of public nudity. Listening to Jonnie, I felt a strange mixture of bemusement and protectiveness. Soon enough in China, others would feel this for me.
Visit the Hachette Book Group website to read an excerpt of Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven; you’ll get a good feel for Gilman’s voice and the situation she found herself in. I highly recommend this unusual memoir.
And come back to She is Too Fond of Books tomorrow for a very special Spotlight on Bookstores post from Susan Jane Gilman. Here in the US, at a time of great stress and turmoil, she experiences a sense of community similar to that which eventually helped her return home from her misadventures in China.
Was there a lot cut from of the audio? It’s been on my audible wish list since your review and I’m wondering if I should consider reading it instead.
JoAnn – There was not a lot cut; in fact, I wouldn’t have known it was abridged unless I saw it on the audio packaging (there weren’t any gaps that left me wondering). A few side trips and transitions, a little more description. And, by listening to the audio, I heard the enthusisam and cadence in the author’s voice. I did pick up details by reading (and was able to mark/note passages, which is nearly impossible with audio). Long answer to a short question, isn’t it!?
This is one book I did not enjoy. I listened to the unabridged audio read by the author, and really disliked her and the story…JMO
diane – isn’t that something, you and I often have similar taste, but not this time! – I just loved the audio, and was pleased to fill in any little gaps w/print format. Well, that’s why there are so many books in the world – something for everyone!
I forgot all about this one. The cover is different now too. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book after listening to it on audio. I have done the opposite though.
I haven’t read her but I’d like to give this book a try. Sounds interesting to me.
For some reason, this one never appealed to me…until I read the passages about Americans being teenagers and having to pee.
This author definitely appeals to me. I love that kind of wittiness and cynicism. I remember your review of the audio, and was disappointed that my library didn’t have it. I am hoping I’ll win something from Sheri, who is having a big Gilman giveaway!
I’ve read this and Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress and I liked them both! My mom read this one too and she just loved it – I think she’d read Susan Jane Gilman’s grocery list with you! You should listen to the Blog Talk Radio interview of her.
I really need to read this some time. Thanks for the reminder.
I just finished Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress last week, and loved it. I plan to pick this one up right after my Lenten book-buying ban is over!
I had heard mixed things about this book, so I am glad now, to hear that you thought it was wonderful! I had been thinking of buying it, and then read a spate of negative reviews. I am going to put it back on my list after reading your thoughts. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!!
I’m glad this is worth a listen and I read. I listened to the audio this summer and have been going back and forth whether I should read the book. Now I definitely am – I just live Gilman too
I thought you had reviewed this … now I want to read it even more!!! Thanks for the second review. And the reminder I need to officially put this on my wish list!
So impressed you read this twice. I thought I had this but I don’t but like Jenners, now I want to read it even more!
I’ve been on the fence with this one, but I think you’re review nudged me toward reading it. I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
After reading your review and the review from Kathy at BermudaOnion, I will be adding this to my list!
This was a fantastic book, both because of the unbelievable story and because of the engaging writing style. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the Susie’s mother calls Susie while there are Chinese police in Susie’s hotel room. Quite intense.
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