China Mountain Zhang

China Mountain Zhang is a science fiction novel written by Maureen McHugh and published in 1992. Set in a future where China has become the dominant global superpower. The world is one where social and technological advancements have shaped a new society.

The novel follows the life of Zhang Zhong Shan, a young man living in New York City. Chinese culture now influences most aspects of life. Zhang is a construction worker with a Chinese heritage who struggles with his identity and place in society. Branwen: A geneticist and love interest of Zhang. Branwen is a Welsh woman who works in a lab and becomes involved in a complex relationship with Zhang. Martine is a young woman who works as a technician and becomes a close friend of Zhang. She is a politically active member of the underground and harbors her own secrets.

The novel introduces the reader to other characters who also face unique challenges and aspirations: a lawyer, Zhang's sister, and even Mr Wei, Zhang's former boss.

The novel explores identity, cultural assimilation, and social inequality. Zhang grapples with his mixed heritage, his sexual identity, and the expectations placed on him by society. The story also examines the impact of power dynamics, both on an individual level and within a larger societal context.

China Mountain Zhang is notable for its portrayal of a diverse range of characters and its exploration of their journeys. McHugh presents a nuanced and multifaceted depiction of a future society. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, love, and the quest for self-discovery.