Book Review: TEACHER BLACK MY YEAR IN CHINA, By James Prescott-Kerr
James Prescott-Kerr writes an honest, gripping, unique tale of his experiences during his year, as an expat teacher of English and football, in Changzhou, China. His writing has such a connective tone that it is very difficult to stop reading - this is definitely a page-turner! As James' story unfolds, you become more and more eager to continue on his journey, as you truly do feel as if you are re-living James' experiences in many ways. Not only this, but James' tale gives the reader a unique insight into life in China, moving there for the first time, completing the TEFL in China course, teaching there, and insights into different parts of China he visited such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou and of course Changzhou - where he taught and lived for the year. Additional to this, are special insights into his journeys to Macau and Hong Kong.
James writes his genuine story with the pure intention of doing just that - sharing his memoirs. Beautifully, James not only gives a true insight into his China experience but also enlightens the reader about Chinese culture, customs, and ways of life. This book will allow the reader to encounter an authentic account, as it is clear that James wants to start a dialogue that hasn't been largely discussed; whilst there are many books describing the beauties of China, there are not as many that provide such a distinctive experience in such detail. As quoted by James, 'My complexion is dark and I stand at a towering height of 6'4 with an athletic build'; Teacher Black My Year In China is a unique tale that does justice in its honesty to inspire but also enlighten, through his own experience, those thinking to embark on an adventure in China - particularly from a Black or BAME background that is different to the Chinese people.
That being said, I passionately believe that Chinese readers and White readers would, of course, benefit significantly from this versatile account. This is due to the similarities we often have, and the utmost complexity that exists in China, in regards to race, colourism, gender, religion, and ultimately - difference. In this sense, this book can connect to every single person interested in China, who is Chinese, has been to China, or is planning a trip to China. Ultimately, James provides his memoir accounts with the focus of his experience, but within that, there is a richness of insight into Chinese culture, way of life, beautiful places to visit, tips, advice, and more. James' writing style invites you to want to get to know him, and his chronicles, more and more.
I can personally say, having gone to China with the same company and at the same time as James, hence spending the two weeks Beijing Fengtai Camp teaching next door to each other and meeting up in Shanghai, that James is down to earth, genuine, real, talented and creative. This is very easily evidenced by his other works in music, writing and entertainment. For me personally, what I enjoyed the most about reading James' book was that it gave me such an experience that I relived my own journey but also reflected on it in a deeper way due to James' profound reflections, observations, and analysis. James has a clear talent for meaningful writing that clutches on to you. James and I had a beautiful discussion just before Christmas, alongside our friend Arnold (mentioned in the preface of the book) who enabled us to be in China as we went with his company Teach English In China, whereby we talked in some detail about the book. I enjoyed this discussion so much. To watch:
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