#10197 White Lotus. John Hersey.
John Hersey

White Lotus

White Lotus by John Hersey is a speculative fiction novel that flips the racial dynamics of mid-20th-century America. Set in a future where China has conquered the United States, the story follows a young Caucasian woman named White Lotus, who lives under Chinese rule. As she grapples with her status as a second-class citizen and the loss of her cultural identity, the novel delves into themes of racism, cultural suppression, and the dynamics of power and resistance. Hersey uses this reversed scenario to offer a powerful commentary on race relations and societal oppression, making readers reflect on the historical and ongoing racial injustices in America.

Hardcover. First Edition, First Printing. Octavo, cloth. New York: Knopf, 1965. #10197.
Very short closed tear on front panel, else a fine copy in fine dust jacket.