A Novel

Decoded

Decoded tells the story of Rong Jinzhwen, one of the great code-breakers in the world. 
 
A semi-autistic mathematical genius, Jinzhen is recruited to the cryptography department of China's secret services, Unit 701, where he is assigned the task of breaking the elusive 'Code Purple'. Jinzhen rises through the ranks to eventually become China's greatest and most celebrated code-breaker; until he makes a mistake. Then begins his descent through the unfathomable darkness of the world of cryptology into madness. 
 
'Decoded is a subtle and complex exploration of cryptography, politics, dreams and their significance...There is much of interest in this book, from the strange, superstitious beginning to the gradual decline of the Rong family as the twentieth century progresses...But in the end, it's the complexity of the characters that is Decoded's enduring pleasure' London Review of Books 
 
Decoded was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China and has become an international bestseller. With the pacing of a literary crime thriller, Mai Jia's masterpiece also combines elements of historical fiction and state espionage. Taking place in the shadowy world of Chinese secret security, where Mai Jia worked for decades, it introduces us to a place that is unfamiliar, intriguing and authentic. And with Rong Jinzhen, it introduces us to a character who is deeply flawed and fragile, yet possessing exceptional intelligence. Decoded is an unforgettable and gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty. 
 
 
'Decoded is a subtle and complex exploration of cryptography, politics, dreams and their significance....There is much of interest in this book, from the strange, superstitious beginning to the gradual decline of the Rong family as the twentieth century progresses...But, in the end, it is the complexity of the characters that is Decoded's enduring pleasure' Times Literary Supplement 
 
'Readers skate the line separating insanity from genius in Mai Jia's riveting tale of cryptographic warfare...A denouement at once heartbreaking and thought-provoking leaves readers pondering the collective sanity of a world shrouding knowledge in enigmas. Gifted translators bring English-speaking readers a Chinese literary treasure' Booklist 
 
Mai Jia (the pseudonym of Jiang Benhu) is arguably the most successful writer in China today. His books are constant bestsellers, with total sales over three million copies. He became the highest paid author in China last year with his new book, Wind Talk. He has achieved unprecedented success with film adaptation: all of his novels are made - or are being made - into major films or TV series, the screenplays of which are often written by Mai Jia himself. He is hailed as the forerunner of Chinese espionage fiction, and has created a unique genre that combines spycraft, code-breaking, crime, human drama, historical fiction, and metafiction. He has won almost every major award in China, including the highest literary honor - the Mao Dun Award.

A mixture of Kafka and Agatha Christie . . . One of the joys of Decoded is its rich evocation of Chinese culture . . . What is this book really about? The clue is in the title. This book is more about Jiang 'decoding' himself than breaking enemy encryption. It is an autobiography operating under the cover of spy fiction - and an utterly fascinating read . . . Olivia Milburn's translation is superb

The novel shines in its consideration of the ambiguous difficulties of living with such brilliance . . . Decoded is compelling for its tightly wrought aphorisms, elegantly turned in Olivia Milburn's translation . . . An engaging and highly unusual read

FINALLY, a great Chinese novel . . . This strange, twisting tale is told in fizzy, vivid and often beautiful prose. It is an absolute joy to read

Decoded is a subtle and complex exploration of cryptography, politics, dreams and their significance . . . There is much of interest in this book, from the strange, superstitious beginning to the gradual decline of the Rong family as the twentieth century progresses . . . But in the end, it's the complexity of the characters that is Decoded's enduring pleasure

Strongly recalls One Hundred Years of Solitude, only this time with the tapestry stitched in silk

The book's subtle ambiguity is extended to its own conclusion, the decoding of which the reader is compelled to take part in. As for the shrewd, poetic, baffled figure at the heart of this maze, Rong Jinzhen comes to perceive the yin and yang of a cosmic order offering not much consolation

Subtle and psychologically focused . . . the central story is a gripping one . . . it leaves you eager to read more of his work

Decoded tells the fictional story of mathematical genius Rong Jinzhen. Abducted and recruited to the cryptography department of China's secret services, Jinzhen rises to eventually become China's greatest and most celebrated code-breaker; until he makes a mistake. Then begins his descent into madness. Decoded takes place in the shadowy world of Chinese secret service, where Mai Jia himself worked for decades.

Mai Jia

Christopher N. Payne

In the Dark has all the hallmarks of a thriller... its immense readability derives from the pervading air of mystery, the Orwellian depiction of Chinese state security... A twisting, riddling and compellingly original exploration of thwarted geniuses and restricted lives

A compound of documentary, mystery and folk-tale - an unfamiliar voice from the centre of a world of secrets

'Cracking another country's cipher is an undercover fight to the death...' 
 
Hidden deep in the mountains, the recruits at 'Unit 701', China's secret services, operate in a dark, shadowy world. There is the 'wind-listener', a blind surveillance officer who can hear sounds from miles away; the beautiful, unstable maths genius who meets a violent end; the old man who deciphers codes in his dreams; the spy who recounts a dangerous mission from beyond the grave. 
 
In this story of conspiracies, geniuses, revolutionaries and terrible moral choices, people sacrifice everything for a world of secrets - until, ultimately, it destroys them.

Mai Jia

Praise for In the Dark

In the Dark has all the hallmarks of a thriller... its immense readability derives from the pervading air of mystery, the Orwellian depiction of Chinese state security... A twisting, riddling and compellingly ...

A compound of documentary, mystery and folk-tale - an unfamiliar voice from the centre of a world of secrets

Books by Mai Jia

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter