Mai Jia is widely hailed as the forerunner of espionage fiction in the Chinese mainland. His bestsellers Decoded and The Message have captivated readers worldwide.
Yet behind the cloak-and-dagger tales lies a personal mission: reconciliation with the past. In an exclusive CGTN interview, Mai revealed that he once hesitated to write about his hometown, burdened by unresolved tension.
“The day I became willing to write about it was, in itself, a reconciliation.”
For Mai, storytelling is more than entertainment. It’s a way to foster understanding across cultures and generations.
“Literary exchanges can reach the most sensitive and tender of human hearts,” he said, suggesting that this form of communication can remind us of our limitations and inspire humility.
“With that humility and sincerity, the world should not be as full of conflict, misunderstanding and even war as it is now.”
Through his work, Mai Jia invites readers to explore the human side of espionage – not just the thrill, but the empathy and reconciliation woven beneath the surface.
As Mai continues to craft stories that bridge divides, his journey reminds us that the act of writing itself can heal, connect, and transform.
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PAGE X: Mai Jia reflects on writing as a means for reconciliation
cgtn.com
