An Interview with Jiang Cheng
I was born in rural China. From my first day of school, I was immersed in Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and theories of the proletarian revolution. As a member of the Communist Youth League, I actively participated in various social and political movements. I fervently engaged in the Great Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) as a Red Guard, witnessing a decade-long catastrophe that devastated China’s socio-economic and political environment, eroded traditional Chinese culture, morality, and cherished values. Those have been portrayed in this book. In 1993, I received an overseas doctoral scholarship from the Australian government, which led me to embrace Western society. My academic research in zoology and human biology has resulted in more than one hundred publications in journals and books.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Finding the right title was a long and challenging process; it changed many times before I finally settled on this one.
The book examines, through the lens of China’s social and political upheavals from 1949 to the present, the tragic historical experiences of ordinary people and of a senior party leader. It explores how the CCP, under slogans such as ‘Liberation’ and ‘Making the Chinese People Stand Up,’ pursued utopian ideology and political campaigns that led to profound human suffering and environmental devastation—what I call ‘Devils’ Mighty Debts.’
The book spans such a broad historical and emotional landscape, finding a title—and subtitle—that could capture its complexity, warning, and central themes was one of the most difficult parts of the writing journey.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
I was incredibly excited. This marked the debut of my literary writing and was a significant milestone in my life. It also represented my successful transition from academia—where I have published more than one hundred journal articles and book chapters—to literary writing in English, which is my second language.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
After living in Australia for more than thirty years, my experiences in both China and Western society have continually reminded me of the mission I set for myself: to use literature to reveal what has actually occurred in China under the CCP. I have felt a deep obligation to tell the world how the Chinese people have suffered, and how many have been misled and deceived by Marxism, Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and, more recently, Xi Jinping’s policies and political strategies.
Although some Western writers may wish to write such a book, many lack the firsthand life experience and deep social understanding of China necessary to portray its historical background and lived realities with authenticity and precision. At the same time, many writers in China may long to tell these stories, yet they remain constrained by authoritarian rule and increasingly strict censorship.
On the other hand, some scholars of Chinese history, particularly within the Chinese diaspora, have published important works on the political movements, social upheavals, and human tragedies under the CCP. Their contributions are invaluable for historical documentation and academic analysis. However, such works often lack the literary elements that might engage and move a broader general readership.
I am deeply committed to writing novels that explore human nature through the lens of social and political upheaval, moral conflict, and human catastrophe. In this pursuit, I have drawn inspiration from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have been involved in zoology, biology, and human biology since 1982, mostly focusing on issues in China, which has enabled me to publish more than one hundred papers in academic journals and book chapters. I came to Australia in 1993 after receiving an Overseas PhD Student Scholarship. Since then, I have been working at an Australian university.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
An indication that I can write literary fiction, despite English being my second language, beyond academic publications. This is a great reward that has motivated me to complete a few other fictions related to deformed human nature, and chaotic social and political events since 1949 under the CCP.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Songs that match these themes: deception, rebellion, power struggle, loss of innocence, survival, truth, or resistance.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope readers walk away with a profound understanding of the nature of the CCP and Communism, and a deeper awareness that not everything that appears benevolent is truly good. Power often hides behind promises of safety, order, or salvation, and one of the most dangerous things we can do is stop questioning what we’re told. If my book leaves readers thinking more critically, trusting their conscience, and recognizing manipulation when it wears the face of virtue, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do.
My ideal reader is someone who isn’t afraid to question appearances, authority, or accepted narratives. They enjoy stories that challenge them intellectually and emotionally—stories with moral complexity, human nature, psychological tension, and deeper social or philosophical themes. They’re the kind of reader who finishes a book and keeps thinking about it long after the final page.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Some tentative novels I am planning to write in the following years:
• When Love is Politicized
• State Debts Paid with Personal Blood
• Double Fatal Hits
They are the novels aimed at depicting twisted human nature, leashed souls, and misguided concepts under the CCP regime in China.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
My work with Atmosphere Press is very successful. Through joint effort, I have learned to transition from academic to literary writing through a hybrid publication. I will encourage other writers to get involved with the press.
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