China Diary

"While China Diary is about the life of a missionary wife in China, one doesn't need an interest in Chinese history or in the experiences of Canadian missionaries to thoroughly enjoy this biography of Mary Austin Endicott. During her life, Endicott was overshadowed by her husband, James (Jim) Endicott--a household name in 1950s Canada, when he was accused of treason for his anti-war, pro-Communist sympathies. This book pays homage to a woman who was an intellectual force in her own right.... Endicott was an accomplished storyteller, but her daughter has done a wonderful job of weaving her mother's letters with her unfinished memoir to create a well-organized and very readable book.... That her biography is also a fascinating window on the turbulence of early 20th-century China is icing on the cake." -- Larissa Liepins -- Canadian Book Review Annual, 2006, 200702
"This is an interesting portrayal of a talented and intelligent woman trying hard to negotiate a profession as treacherous as the Yangtse Gorges." -- Janice Dickin, University of Calgary -- Canadian Ethnic Studies, 200409
"China Diary is an engrossing, extraordinarily well-written account of a life with both personal and historical significance. For anyone who follows Canada's relations with China, or who is interested in the `wives of,' this is essential reading." -- Lorna Marsden, President, York University
"China Diary is a daring book.... Mary Austin Endicott's early years couldn't prepare her for life with a missionary in China during the era of warlords and the invasion by the Japanese. The most satisfying sections are the harrowing stories of Mary establishing a home...and staying in love while birthing four children, starting a school, and living with the terrors of war, disease, poverty and beheadings. Mary's account of the bombing of Chungking is hair-raising...The author once wrote, `Within the family, stories about my father abound, while the life of my mother has faded like an old photograph.' She has restored the photo, and added colour. China Diary is a courageous book. I admire the author's compassion and honesty. I am glad she has provided Canadians with the story of a strong woman who worked for peace in all aspects of her life." -- Caroyln Pogue -- The Observer, 200307
"China Diary is a gripping story of a courageous woman in tumultuous times. It gives keen analysis and intimate personal details of a largely unknown story in Canadian history. It is well written, informative, and touches both heart and mind." -- Bill Phipps, former Moderator, United Church of Canada
"A rich psychological portrait of a complicated inner life and a difficult relationship." -- Carol C. Chin -- University of Toronto Quarterly--Letters in Canada 2003, Volume 74, number 1, 200510