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A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom: A Memoir
Amid the mountains of China, Anna falls in love with a Hui yak herder from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. At first, he appears to be a kindred soul and charismatic lover. But with treachery, traps, and fraud at every turn, their passionate romance is doomed from the start.
Not only does Alimu convince Anna to barter away her passport—rendering her ensnared in his embrace—but he convinces her that only his word can be trusted as those around him began furtively warning her about his past. Armed only with rumors from strangers, she is forced to piece together the truth.
As her suspicions grow, Alimu's threats intensify. Repeatedly abandoning her with a series of increasingly improbable excuses, he tests Anna's trust and loyalty—even as he betrays her in the worst ways a woman can imagine.
This engrossing memoir delves into the perils of abuse, deceit, infatuation, and misplaced trust while simultaneously illuminating the beauty of China's landscape, hospitality, and culture. With electrifying twists as the author confronts an impossible choice on her world travels, A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is a true tale of love and loss like you've never heard before.
Not only does Alimu convince Anna to barter away her passport—rendering her ensnared in his embrace—but he convinces her that only his word can be trusted as those around him began furtively warning her about his past. Armed only with rumors from strangers, she is forced to piece together the truth.
As her suspicions grow, Alimu's threats intensify. Repeatedly abandoning her with a series of increasingly improbable excuses, he tests Anna's trust and loyalty—even as he betrays her in the worst ways a woman can imagine.
This engrossing memoir delves into the perils of abuse, deceit, infatuation, and misplaced trust while simultaneously illuminating the beauty of China's landscape, hospitality, and culture. With electrifying twists as the author confronts an impossible choice on her world travels, A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is a true tale of love and loss like you've never heard before.
- GenresMemoir
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
4 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Anna Keibler
1 book8 followersAnna Keibler is a disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ professional technical writer, youth worker, and traveler with a fervent passion for languages, art, and wildlife. As a nature lover with a master's in natural resources, she has a passion for the ecological conservation of both the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Hoosier National Forest.
Originally hailing from rural Indiana, Anna learned Mandarin while living and working in China for more than five years. With more than a decade of experience in teaching English, essay writing, and research strategies, she has built a strong foundation of creative writing experience in nonfiction and fiction spaces alike.
In her spare time, Anna can often be found crafting, adventuring, enjoying Chinese folk music, and scouring either the night sky for unusual astral phenomena or her backyard for natural herbal remedies.
Originally hailing from rural Indiana, Anna learned Mandarin while living and working in China for more than five years. With more than a decade of experience in teaching English, essay writing, and research strategies, she has built a strong foundation of creative writing experience in nonfiction and fiction spaces alike.
In her spare time, Anna can often be found crafting, adventuring, enjoying Chinese folk music, and scouring either the night sky for unusual astral phenomena or her backyard for natural herbal remedies.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 5, 2025
A powerful testimony of the resilience of a woman scorned. A foreigner in China, navigating employment, romance, deceit, theft and the cultural differences makes this memoir a full experience!
July 23, 2025
Thank you to the author, Anna Keibler, for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable and well-written memoir! I appreciated the brief mentions of bipolar disorder and mental health as someone who has had their own mental health struggles. The writing was engaging and descriptive, and left me wanting to read more. I actually wish the book was a little longer so that we could learn more about the rest of Anna’s life in China and her eventually going back to the states.
I did have trouble remembering who was who, especially when Alimu’s family was introduced. Anna made lots of friends and acquaintances in China and it was sometimes difficult for me to remember who she was writing about in a given scene.
I wish there had been brief reminders about who a person was if they were in a scene but hadn’t come up in a while. There were a few instances of this, but it would have been helpful for me if there were more.
I read this memoir in two sittings, but if I hadn’t been able to do that, I really would’ve struggled with all of the names.
At times I was yelling (silently) at my Kindle during the emotionally charged moments. I think that testifies to how engaged I was in the memoir, lol. Anna was both very naive and extremely courageous during her time in China. I hope she decides to write more, as I would love to read whatever she wants to publish next!
This was an enjoyable and well-written memoir! I appreciated the brief mentions of bipolar disorder and mental health as someone who has had their own mental health struggles. The writing was engaging and descriptive, and left me wanting to read more. I actually wish the book was a little longer so that we could learn more about the rest of Anna’s life in China and her eventually going back to the states.
I did have trouble remembering who was who, especially when Alimu’s family was introduced. Anna made lots of friends and acquaintances in China and it was sometimes difficult for me to remember who she was writing about in a given scene.
I wish there had been brief reminders about who a person was if they were in a scene but hadn’t come up in a while. There were a few instances of this, but it would have been helpful for me if there were more.
I read this memoir in two sittings, but if I hadn’t been able to do that, I really would’ve struggled with all of the names.
At times I was yelling (silently) at my Kindle during the emotionally charged moments. I think that testifies to how engaged I was in the memoir, lol. Anna was both very naive and extremely courageous during her time in China. I hope she decides to write more, as I would love to read whatever she wants to publish next!
April 21, 2025
Anna was a young, naive expat in China who was chasing love. Her experience is something that anyone in their early 20s could succumb to in the right circumstances.
Through her story of misfortune, I loved learning about Chinese cultural antics, such as deep and meaningful friendships, yak herding, and travel methods.
I could not put this book down, and experienced the train wreck of each bad decision right alongside young Anna.
-Getting caught by the police - yep
-Bartering a passport for money - yep
-Losing all your said money for a promise of love by someone met on the internet? - yep
Seriously, I couldn't put this down and gobbled it up in several sittings. I'm sorry for everything she went through, but also glad she shared her story so others know what NOT to do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Through her story of misfortune, I loved learning about Chinese cultural antics, such as deep and meaningful friendships, yak herding, and travel methods.
I could not put this book down, and experienced the train wreck of each bad decision right alongside young Anna.
-Getting caught by the police - yep
-Bartering a passport for money - yep
-Losing all your said money for a promise of love by someone met on the internet? - yep
Seriously, I couldn't put this down and gobbled it up in several sittings. I'm sorry for everything she went through, but also glad she shared her story so others know what NOT to do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom (AGMK) is a fascinating story that brings China to life in surprising and unexpected ways. Undoubtedly, the Chinese government would NOT want you to read this book. Read it, if only for that reason.
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom (AGMK) by Anna Keibler takes the reader along on a recollection of the author's journey discovering herself as a new adult in a foreign land. I was not expecting to cry when I started reading this book, but by the end I felt so in tune with the author that I could not help but ache right along with her. Keibler has done an incredible job revisiting some of her most turbulent years in Jinan, China. The story is full of fantastic friends, less-than-fantastic friends (and lovers), excitement, heartbreak, all marching alongside excellent imagery.
AGMK encourages compassion and contributes to our ability to understand how mental health can affect the choices we make in any moment. Sometimes our own choices make us turn back and scream "what were you thinking?!" The author is beyond incredible for sharing such an intimate time of her life with the world. Kudos to your bravery, my lady. Thank you for sharing your story, and for doing it well. May we all be brave enough to publicly reflect and learn from our life experiences: the world would be a kinder and more understanding place for us all.
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom (AGMK) by Anna Keibler takes the reader along on a recollection of the author's journey discovering herself as a new adult in a foreign land. I was not expecting to cry when I started reading this book, but by the end I felt so in tune with the author that I could not help but ache right along with her. Keibler has done an incredible job revisiting some of her most turbulent years in Jinan, China. The story is full of fantastic friends, less-than-fantastic friends (and lovers), excitement, heartbreak, all marching alongside excellent imagery.
AGMK encourages compassion and contributes to our ability to understand how mental health can affect the choices we make in any moment. Sometimes our own choices make us turn back and scream "what were you thinking?!" The author is beyond incredible for sharing such an intimate time of her life with the world. Kudos to your bravery, my lady. Thank you for sharing your story, and for doing it well. May we all be brave enough to publicly reflect and learn from our life experiences: the world would be a kinder and more understanding place for us all.
August 1, 2025
This is a memoir unlike any I have read. The author grew up in a rural American community and is given an opportunity to study in China. At the age where she is discovering life out on her own, she embarks on going to live on the other side of the planet, in a city where no one speaks English and the culture adds to more adjustments than she was prepared for. Her adventurous spirit, love of learning and not shy to make friends helps her survive. There are relationships that put her in dangerous situations that are frightening.
I won't give any spoilers, I will only suggest if you are looking for a read that leaves you unable to predict what happens at any given time. This is the book for you.
I came away from this book feeling humbled by the author's ability to dance with the devil and to not give up on herself.
I won't give any spoilers, I will only suggest if you are looking for a read that leaves you unable to predict what happens at any given time. This is the book for you.
I came away from this book feeling humbled by the author's ability to dance with the devil and to not give up on herself.
April 29, 2025
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom by Anna Keibler
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is a real page-turner. The journey of the author as a young college-age student and her experiences both as a student and a teacher in China are relatable for anyone who was once a naïve college student. As a young and immature woman of nineteen, eager for adventure and companionship, she takes her life to the extreme. Her story describes many friendships with people from all over the world, living in China. Keibler gives us a detailed picture of China from 2011 to about 2016 and the attitudes and restrictions on foreigners and foreign students. We see the positive as well as the negative from the cultural and social aspects.
The common visa challenges facing anyone living abroad are a constant source of frustration and complications for the young Keibler. Keibler’s challenging romances with a couple of Hui men and the ensuing troubles illustrate her innocence and, yes, impulsivity. She spends a lot of time waiting for people to show up, and besides the visa problems, she has financial problems. Her ability to learn the Chinese language and a couple of the dialects is impressive, as is her final outcome, surmounting many difficulties with hard emotional work and determination.
The insights into the Hui culture and overall Chinese culture are fascinating. This story not only provides the reader a glimpse of who Keibler was as a young woman, but also the lived experience of living in China and a deep relationship with a Hui yak herder. There are many levels of cultural and human exchanges that are shared with the reader. Keibler finally sees the truth of her romantic partner, which, as it turns out, could have been an experience with anyone in the world, as certain characters can be universal, regardless of society.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the multi-cultural experience of a young person.
This review was written for Netgalley.
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is a real page-turner. The journey of the author as a young college-age student and her experiences both as a student and a teacher in China are relatable for anyone who was once a naïve college student. As a young and immature woman of nineteen, eager for adventure and companionship, she takes her life to the extreme. Her story describes many friendships with people from all over the world, living in China. Keibler gives us a detailed picture of China from 2011 to about 2016 and the attitudes and restrictions on foreigners and foreign students. We see the positive as well as the negative from the cultural and social aspects.
The common visa challenges facing anyone living abroad are a constant source of frustration and complications for the young Keibler. Keibler’s challenging romances with a couple of Hui men and the ensuing troubles illustrate her innocence and, yes, impulsivity. She spends a lot of time waiting for people to show up, and besides the visa problems, she has financial problems. Her ability to learn the Chinese language and a couple of the dialects is impressive, as is her final outcome, surmounting many difficulties with hard emotional work and determination.
The insights into the Hui culture and overall Chinese culture are fascinating. This story not only provides the reader a glimpse of who Keibler was as a young woman, but also the lived experience of living in China and a deep relationship with a Hui yak herder. There are many levels of cultural and human exchanges that are shared with the reader. Keibler finally sees the truth of her romantic partner, which, as it turns out, could have been an experience with anyone in the world, as certain characters can be universal, regardless of society.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the multi-cultural experience of a young person.
This review was written for Netgalley.
June 5, 2025
3.5 stars
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is Anna Keibler’s memoir of her time as a young woman in China. Having chosen Chinese as a foreign language in high school because she wanted to learn something different from everyone else, Keibler follows it up with both studying and teaching English in China.
There is a great deal to like here from the excitement of discovering a different culture to the loneliness and difficulties of living in a place that is so different from one’s native home. With that layered on top of the mistakes that are often made as a new adult in relationships, finances, career, and more, this is a very relatable story.
The author was quite young, very naïve, and possibly dealing with a mental health issue, which led her into making quite awful choices about several people, but mainly with a yak herder. As she is led further down this treacherous road, she also finds interesting cultural norms and beautiful scenery. Keibler also discovers a lot of kindness and unexpected help as she deals with a personal tragedy.
Spoiler alert:
At one point the author spends a chapter detailing that her boyfriend was worried the entire time that someone would recognize him, and they kept having to hide. Not once did she seem to think that this was strange or ask why he had this concern. It was just very strange. While it’s sort of discovered later why this was happening, I had a really difficult time believing that this was not some sort of huge red flag for her since she wasn’t completely detached from reality.
Despite some flaws, this memoir drew me in, and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to the author and Librarything for the eARC.
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom is Anna Keibler’s memoir of her time as a young woman in China. Having chosen Chinese as a foreign language in high school because she wanted to learn something different from everyone else, Keibler follows it up with both studying and teaching English in China.
There is a great deal to like here from the excitement of discovering a different culture to the loneliness and difficulties of living in a place that is so different from one’s native home. With that layered on top of the mistakes that are often made as a new adult in relationships, finances, career, and more, this is a very relatable story.
The author was quite young, very naïve, and possibly dealing with a mental health issue, which led her into making quite awful choices about several people, but mainly with a yak herder. As she is led further down this treacherous road, she also finds interesting cultural norms and beautiful scenery. Keibler also discovers a lot of kindness and unexpected help as she deals with a personal tragedy.
Spoiler alert:
At one point the author spends a chapter detailing that her boyfriend was worried the entire time that someone would recognize him, and they kept having to hide. Not once did she seem to think that this was strange or ask why he had this concern. It was just very strange. While it’s sort of discovered later why this was happening, I had a really difficult time believing that this was not some sort of huge red flag for her since she wasn’t completely detached from reality.
Despite some flaws, this memoir drew me in, and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to the author and Librarything for the eARC.
June 17, 2025
3.5 stars.
This is a memoir by a young American woman in China. The book is mostly about her disastrous love life and unplanned pregnancy while there. As a middle-aged woman, I found Anna’s many poor decisions as cringe-worthy. (I was often yelling at the screen: “Nooo. Why are you doing that?!”) She would later learn that she has bipolar disorder, though I am not sure how much this played into her judgement with men at the time. I was hoping to read more about the culture, other than her few interesting comments on racism, and family obligations, (& the heavy smoking. Lots of smoking!). But her story still drew me in, notably in the latter half of the book.
I was impressed by the author’s ability to learn Chinese and how she befriended the locals, presumably thanks to her active use of social media sites. In contrast, when I was a young woman in my 20s, I lived in South Korea as an English teacher and none of my colleagues culturally integrated as Anna she did in China. Ex-pats mostly only socialized with each other.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
This is a memoir by a young American woman in China. The book is mostly about her disastrous love life and unplanned pregnancy while there. As a middle-aged woman, I found Anna’s many poor decisions as cringe-worthy. (I was often yelling at the screen: “Nooo. Why are you doing that?!”) She would later learn that she has bipolar disorder, though I am not sure how much this played into her judgement with men at the time. I was hoping to read more about the culture, other than her few interesting comments on racism, and family obligations, (& the heavy smoking. Lots of smoking!). But her story still drew me in, notably in the latter half of the book.
I was impressed by the author’s ability to learn Chinese and how she befriended the locals, presumably thanks to her active use of social media sites. In contrast, when I was a young woman in my 20s, I lived in South Korea as an English teacher and none of my colleagues culturally integrated as Anna she did in China. Ex-pats mostly only socialized with each other.
I was provided with an ARC (thanks to the author & publisher!) and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
April 26, 2025
I loooooove travel memoirs and this is one of the best I read so far!
A true roller coaster of emotions, Anna's story in China reads like a fast-paced thriller. I was so scared for her during some of the scenes. At times, I just wanted to shake this young woman's shoulder and ask her to stop believing Alimu! What an asshole he is (and more).
Anna's writing is beautiful and takes the reader on a China adventure. Anna truly have a gift for writing poignant story with beautiful imagery. I read this book while travelling in Asia (although not China) and the insight about a dry bathroom made me laugh out loud.
I loved the 'later' thoughts that Anna wrote throughout the book, reflecting back in her time in China with more mature eyes. Because as a young woman, she made some (a lot) of foolish choices. I mean, didn't we all in our 20s? - but maybe not ones that could have been life-threatening and in a foreign country.
I received a free ARC copy in exchange of my review and this is my honest opinion.
A true roller coaster of emotions, Anna's story in China reads like a fast-paced thriller. I was so scared for her during some of the scenes. At times, I just wanted to shake this young woman's shoulder and ask her to stop believing Alimu! What an asshole he is (and more).
Anna's writing is beautiful and takes the reader on a China adventure. Anna truly have a gift for writing poignant story with beautiful imagery. I read this book while travelling in Asia (although not China) and the insight about a dry bathroom made me laugh out loud.
I loved the 'later' thoughts that Anna wrote throughout the book, reflecting back in her time in China with more mature eyes. Because as a young woman, she made some (a lot) of foolish choices. I mean, didn't we all in our 20s? - but maybe not ones that could have been life-threatening and in a foreign country.
I received a free ARC copy in exchange of my review and this is my honest opinion.
November 5, 2025
It is hard to say I loved this story, while also saying I really LOVED this story. There is pain and cruelty, but also beauty and resilience.
In her early twenties, Anna travels to China, a land mysterious to many, including me. There she shows us her life in the fascinating country filled with individuals who take her in. But she also gets her heartbroken in the most devastating of ways.
At that age I also made many mistakes and learned hard lessons. But I did it in an area familiar to me and filled with the support of others I had known forever. That is not the case with Anna as she travels to far off places and finds herself relying on the kindness of strangers, some who would betray her and others who would be her lifeline. Along the way, we are treated to some trips we will likely never take, and some lessons learned in the cruelest of ways. I am so grateful for the brave and honest way Anna tells her story.
“Niu bi (basically a badass)” indeed!
In her early twenties, Anna travels to China, a land mysterious to many, including me. There she shows us her life in the fascinating country filled with individuals who take her in. But she also gets her heartbroken in the most devastating of ways.
At that age I also made many mistakes and learned hard lessons. But I did it in an area familiar to me and filled with the support of others I had known forever. That is not the case with Anna as she travels to far off places and finds herself relying on the kindness of strangers, some who would betray her and others who would be her lifeline. Along the way, we are treated to some trips we will likely never take, and some lessons learned in the cruelest of ways. I am so grateful for the brave and honest way Anna tells her story.
“Niu bi (basically a badass)” indeed!
August 20, 2025
A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom sucks the reader into Anna Keibler’s manic cyclone as she spins her way across China. Her words hit like bullets from an automatic weapon—constant and cutting. I wanted Anna to dodge these bullets, to own her choices, but without boundaries, she finds herself constantly at the mercy of others. Her situation quickly spirals out of control, leaving the reader feeling dazed as if we, too, are running in circles, chasing an illusion.
This powerful, maddening, illuminating read will make your head spin. Like passing a bad accident on the highway, you want to look away, but you can’t. You need to know how the story ends. Thank you, Anna, for being brave enough to tell this messy, complicated, and redeeming tale of truth. It offers a window into what those dealing with bipolar disorder face on a daily basis.
This powerful, maddening, illuminating read will make your head spin. Like passing a bad accident on the highway, you want to look away, but you can’t. You need to know how the story ends. Thank you, Anna, for being brave enough to tell this messy, complicated, and redeeming tale of truth. It offers a window into what those dealing with bipolar disorder face on a daily basis.
May 2, 2025
What a fascinating story. This one will definitely keep you engaged throughout the entire book. I read it in a single session over the course of about 4 hours.
I normally dislike memoirs. I find most people fascinating, but unable to creatively express their own history. Anna Keibler does not have that issue. The story here feels like the outline of some great fiction novel, though it remains grounded in a very harsh reality.
I highly recommend this if you're looking for some insight into the idiotic decisions that can be made for love, for youth, for adventure, and for longing. I know that I have made some for all of these reasons and thus felt a connection with the author throughout every page.
I received a free eARC of this book, but this is my honest opinion.
I normally dislike memoirs. I find most people fascinating, but unable to creatively express their own history. Anna Keibler does not have that issue. The story here feels like the outline of some great fiction novel, though it remains grounded in a very harsh reality.
I highly recommend this if you're looking for some insight into the idiotic decisions that can be made for love, for youth, for adventure, and for longing. I know that I have made some for all of these reasons and thus felt a connection with the author throughout every page.
I received a free eARC of this book, but this is my honest opinion.
April 18, 2025
A ghost in the Middle Kingdom is one of the most incredible memoirs that I’ve had the opportunity to read. Anna tells her harrowing experience in such an amazing way that I was captured from the very first page. Every chapter with me telling myself “okay…just one more chapter” and I finished it in no time at all because I was so engrossed I had to keep reading. This book was more than just reading…it’s a lesson to all of us out there to trust our guts and really think critically about who we keep in our company.
October 4, 2025
4.5/5
I don’t even know where to begin…Anna’s story I truly found to be INCREDIBLE!
What a brave, strong and courageous woman! Everything she went through was made to and should have broken her..but she prevailed instead! She really took life by the reins and made her story incredible! If it were me I would have needed up in jail and banned from China all together!
She’s truly an amazing woman!!
I don’t even know where to begin…Anna’s story I truly found to be INCREDIBLE!
What a brave, strong and courageous woman! Everything she went through was made to and should have broken her..but she prevailed instead! She really took life by the reins and made her story incredible! If it were me I would have needed up in jail and banned from China all together!
She’s truly an amazing woman!!
June 14, 2025
I feel like it’s not my place to rate a memoir since it is the authors life experience. But this story had me engaged and what she went through is heartbreaking. I feel like each one of us can relate a small part of this being used or lied to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
I interviewed Anna on my podcast ( Culture Cult Show) and I had to read her book after. I finished it in a day. I am absolutey stunned by her story. She is so so brave and has such a beautiful heart despite the evil she encountered. I am moved by her writing and her story. This is a story I won’t forget.
September 16, 2025
This Memoir is a story of adventure, love, loss, and what it’s like to find your way in a new place.
It shows resilience, the reality of life with undiagnosed mental health issues, and what happens when you build your own community.
I learned more about culture in China. It was quite well written, and I stayed invested until the end.
It left me emotionally raw.
It shows resilience, the reality of life with undiagnosed mental health issues, and what happens when you build your own community.
I learned more about culture in China. It was quite well written, and I stayed invested until the end.
It left me emotionally raw.
October 9, 2025
⭐4.75/5⭐
Wow. Where to begin?! Anna is such an incredibly strong woman! I could say with utmost certainty that I would not have been able to handle the situations that she went through during her time in China with as much grace as she did. I am normally not a fan of memoirs, but I would recommend this to anyone!
Wow. Where to begin?! Anna is such an incredibly strong woman! I could say with utmost certainty that I would not have been able to handle the situations that she went through during her time in China with as much grace as she did. I am normally not a fan of memoirs, but I would recommend this to anyone!
September 20, 2025
"A Ghost in the Middle Kingdom" is an AMAZING memoir about a brave young woman who had both happy and painful adventures during her years studying and teaching in China. Her storytelling of her life during those years is riveting and enthralling. What an experience and life lesson.
April 28, 2025
a great read, couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews