From a European perspective, this is an important book. Our narrative history of the Second World War is dominated by the Euroapean theatre of that conflict.
Empire of the Sun is important as it is a reminder of the Asian theatre, British defeat and humiliation in that part of the world, and the ultimate political and cultural significance of the USA's victory in the Pacific. Published in 1984, there is also a hint of the emergence of China as a great power.
Clearly this was a very personal book for Ballard, and draws heavily on his personal experience in China during the war. Yet it was decades after the war that Ballard felt able to write a book based on his experience. It begins with a very 'boys own' style, but is still very engaging.
Thought provoking and important; this book gets 4/5.
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