Finding Iris Chang

Friendship, Ambition, and the Loss of an Extraordinary Mind

By: Paula Kamen

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Iris Chang, the best-selling author of The Rape of Nanking and a tireless human-rights activist, symbolized strength to many in the literary and social-justice worlds. Her fearless reputation made it all the more shocking when she committed suicide in 2004 at age 36.

Long-time friend and confidante Paula Kamen reveals for the first time the private Iris behind the bold, international celebrity. She offers a tribute to the lost heroine while attempting to explain Iris' tragic psychological decline. Through letters, diaries, and her own memories and investigative journalism, Kamen fills in the surprising gaps in Chang's personal transformation, from awkward teen to world-class writer and lecturer, and, finally, into mental illness and paranoia. Finding Iris Chang is a portrait of a vulnerable woman who changed the world.

©2007 Paula Kamen (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"A rewardingly complex portrait of a driven and troubled woman." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Expose[s] the unique genius and creativity of Chang [and] the far-reaching effects of her persistent social activism and compassion." ( BookPage)

High Achiever

Having read Iris Chang's book, "The Rape of Nanking," I was interested in learning more about her. This book, "Finding Iris Chang," was written by a friend and colleague of Iris's, who admired her and explored why such a talented person would take her own life. While I was interested in the details of Iris's life, I decided I had learned enough and stopped about three-fourths of the way through the book.