In The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao, Ian Johnson embarks on a profound exploration of China’s spiritual revival in the post-Mao era. This deeply researched and vividly written account takes readers into the heart of a nation rediscovering its spiritual roots after decades of communist rule that sought to eradicate religious practices.

Johnson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, traverses the length and breadth of China, engaging with ordinary people and religious leaders who are revitalizing ancient practices and adapting them to modern life. He delves into the resurgence of Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, and other faiths, alongside the rise of folk traditions and new spiritual movements. Through compelling narratives, Johnson unveils how this spiritual reawakening is reshaping Chinese society and identity amid rapid urbanization and economic change.

At its core, the book is both a historical analysis and an intimate portrait of individuals seeking meaning and community in a country navigating the complexities of tradition and modernity.