
Decoded
A Novel
Mai Jia(Author)
Penguin Classics (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 27. August 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-0-241-81137-5 (ISBN)
Description
Decoded tells the story of Rong Jinzhwen, one of the great code-breakers in the world. A 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 was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China. 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, a character who is deeply flawed yet possessing exceptional intelligence, it tells a gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty.
Decoded was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China. 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, a character who is deeply flawed yet possessing exceptional intelligence, it tells a gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty.
Reviews / Votes
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. * The Times Literary Supplement *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Target group
Children/juvenile
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
500 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-81137-5 (9780241811375)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Persons
Mai Jia is one of China's most successful writers. He has won almost every major award in China, including the prestigious Mao Dun Award, and is hailed as the forerunner of Chinese espionage fiction.

