News Is My Job: A Correspondent In War-Torn China VERIFIED

News Is My Job: A Correspondent in War-Torn China

News Is My Job: A Correspondent in War-Torn China is a memoir by Edna Lee Booker, one of the first women journalists in China. She arrived in Shanghai in 1922 and covered the turbulent events of the next two decades, interviewing prominent figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Mao Tse-tung and Chiang Kai-shek. Her book, published in 1940, was a best-seller and a powerful testimony of China's struggle against warlords, Japanese invaders and civil war.

In this article, we will review some of the highlights of Booker's book and explore her remarkable career as a foreign correspondent in China.

A \"girl reporter\" in Shanghai

Edna Lee Booker was born in Texas in 1899 and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism. She was fascinated by China and decided to pursue a career as a foreign correspondent there. She arrived in Shanghai in 1922 as a reporter for the International News Service of New York City and the China Press newspaper[^1^].

Shanghai at that time was a cosmopolitan city divided into foreign concessions and Chinese districts. It was also a center of political and social turmoil, as various warlords fought for control of China and nationalist movements emerged to challenge foreign domination. Booker quickly immersed herself in the story, reporting on the conflicts, intrigues and personalities that shaped China's destiny.

She also gained access to some of the most influential figures of the era, such as Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China; Mao Tse-tung, the leader of the Communist Party; and Chiang Kai-shek, the head of the Nationalist Party[^2^]. She interviewed them and wrote about their views, ambitions and challenges. She also witnessed some of the key events of Chinese history, such as the Northern Expedition, the Shanghai Massacre, the Long March and the Sino-Japanese War.

A witness to history

Booker's book, News Is My Job: A Correspondent in War-Torn China, is a vivid account of her experiences and observations as a journalist in China. She describes the scenes of violence, suffering and courage that she witnessed, as well as the cultural and personal aspects of life in China. She also reflects on her role as a woman and an American in a foreign land.

Some of the most memorable passages of her book include:

Her interview with Sun Yat-sen in 1924, where he expressed his vision for a united and democratic China[^2^].

Her encounter with Mao Tse-tung in 1936, where he explained his strategy for guerrilla warfare against the Japanese[^2^].

Her visit to Chiang Kai-shek's headquarters in 1937, where he revealed his plans for resisting Japan and defeating communism[^2^].

Her escape from Nanjing in 1937, just before the Japanese army captured the city and committed atrocities known as the Nanjing Massacre[^2^].

Her coverage of the bombing of Shanghai in 1937, where she witnessed the devastation and heroism of the Chinese people[^2^].

Her journey to Yan'an in 1938, where she met with Zhou Enlai and other communist leaders[^2^].

Her return to Shanghai in 1940, where she observed the changes brought by Japanese occupation[^2^].

A legacy of journalism

Booker's book was well received by critics and readers alike. It was praised for its accuracy, insight and style. It was also influential in strengthening American support for China's cause against Japan and communism. Booker was awarded the Order of Jade by Chiang Kai-shek for her contribution to China's publicity[^3^].

Booker left China in 1941 after Pearl Harbor. She continued to write about China for various publications until her death in 1983. She also authored three other books about China: Flight from China (1945), Behind Red Cliffs (1950) and aa16f39245