Barrett, the author of five novels set in Asia and a mystery novel set in New York City, explains that the concept of Peach Blossom Spring comes from the poetry of T'ao Ch'ien, who lived during the Eastern Chin dynasty (317-420 C.E.). Peach Blossom Spring is the poet's description of a utopia, which a fisherman enters to find great beauty and mystery. Though the utopia's residents treat the fisherman like royalty, he requests to leave. He attempts to find utopia again but fails to retrace his steps. Barrett has decided to take up the hunt, and this book chronicles his search on two separate ventures into China. The author speaks Chinese and has lived in Asia for 20 years, so he readily enters the lives of the people he meets, and readers end up feeling as if they have gotten an inside look at the world's most populous country. Barrett is insightful, knowledgeable, compassionate, spontaneous, and humorous, and he has produced an entertaining and perceptive book. Recommended for all libraries with Asian studies or travel collections.- Melinda Stivers Leach.

- Library Journal