Profiles from China Sketches in Free Verse of People and Things Seen in the Interior

"Profiles from China" by Eunice Tietjens is a collection of free verse poems that brings to life the vibrant and challenging world of early 20th-century China. Through vivid character portraits and keen observations, the book unveils both the splendor and the somber realities of Chinese society. Readers are introduced to a wide array of scenes and people, gaining a unique perspective on Chinese culture through the eyes of a Westerner. The poems explore everything from the plight of the impoverished to the elaborate rituals of marriages and celebrations, with each piece offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Chinese existence. The collection features unforgettable individuals like skilled fishermen, educated scholars, and mysterious storytellers, highlighting the cultural wealth, underlying social problems, and the growing pains of a country undergoing modernization; it portrays old traditions clashing with new industry and Western ideas to create a powerful image of a nation at a pivotal moment.