Peter Hessler stands as a distinguished voice in contemporary narrative nonfiction, renowned for his immersive explorations of societies undergoing profound transformations. Originally hailing from Columbia, Missouri, Hessler’s literary journey has largely unfolded on foreign soil, beginning with a transformative experience in China as a Peace Corps volunteer.
In 1996, Hessler embarked on a two-year assignment with the Peace Corps in Fuling, a lesser-known city nestled in southwestern China. This pivotal period saw him teaching English and American literature at Fuling Teachers College, an experience that would indelibly shape his perspective and serve as the bedrock for his acclaimed debut book, River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (2001). River Town offered readers a nuanced glimpse into the rhythms of life in a rapidly changing China, establishing Hessler’s signature approach of observing grand historical shifts through the intimate lives of ordinary individuals.
This initial foray into China blossomed into a trilogy of insightful works, further solidifying Hessler’s reputation as a keen chronicler of the nation’s evolution. Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China (2006) broadened the scope, interweaving contemporary narratives with explorations of ancient Chinese history and archaeology, delving into themes of time and historical continuity amidst rapid modernization. Country Driving: A Journey from Farm to Factory in China (2010) completed the trilogy, focusing on the economic and developmental currents reshaping rural China as urbanization accelerated. Across these three books, often collectively referred to as Hessler’s “China trilogy,” he meticulously documented a decade of transformative change (1996-2007) through the experiences of everyday Chinese citizens. Eschewing the spotlight on political elites, Hessler turned his attention to farmers, factory workers, students, teachers, traders, and small business owners, capturing the essence of mass migration from rural areas to burgeoning cities and the rise of a new Chinese middle class from the shadows of past poverty.
Shifting gears in 2007, Hessler embarked on a geographical and thematic relocation, moving from Beijing to Ridgway, a small town in southwestern Colorado. This transition marked a new chapter, prompting him to explore rural America, alongside continuing his global explorations in Nepal and Japan. His reflections on these diverse locales, combined with earlier pieces, culminated in Strange Stones: Dispatches from East and West (2014), a collection showcasing the breadth of his journalistic work from his initial decade as a writer.
Since 2000, Peter Hessler has been a staff writer for the prestigious New Yorker magazine, further amplifying his reach and influence. He also contributes regularly to National Geographic Magazine, lending his narrative talents to visually rich storytelling. His literary contributions have garnered significant recognition, including the Kiriyama Prize for River Town in 2001 and a National Magazine Award in 2007 for “Instant Cities,” a compelling study of a new factory town in China published in National Geographic. Oracle Bones was also recognized as a finalist for the National Book Award in 2006, and in 2011, Hessler was named a MacArthur Fellow, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact. Notably, each book within his “China Trilogy” achieved bestseller status on the New York Times list, reaching a wide readership.
Adding another layer to his connection with China, starting in 2011, three of Hessler’s books found publication in mainland China, translated by Li Xueshun, a former colleague from his time at Fuling Teachers College. River Town and Country Driving resonated deeply with Chinese readers, becoming bestsellers and earning multiple awards within China, bridging cultural divides through shared human stories. His works have since been translated into fourteen languages, extending his global readership.
Peter Hessler’s personal life is intertwined with his writing career. He is married to Leslie T. Chang, also an accomplished writer and former Wall Street Journal correspondent, known for her book Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China. Together, they have twin daughters, Ariel and Natasha. In 2011, the family relocated to Cairo, Egypt, immersing themselves in a new cultural and political landscape, with Hessler and Chang learning Arabic and delving into the complexities of post-Tahrir Egypt, promising new narratives from a region undergoing its own profound transformations. Peter Hessler continues to be a vital voice, offering readers unparalleled insights into the human experience across diverse cultures and societies in flux.
