Linda Jaivin

Linda Jaivin is an internationally published Australian author,
translator, essayist, novelist and specialist writer on China.


Linda Jaivin is one of Australia’s best and most versatile writers.

Sydney Morning Herald

Bombard the Headquarters!

The Cultural Revolution in China

A riveting account of a turbulent period in Chinese history.

Bombard the Headquarters! - Australian cover Australian edition
Bombard the Headquarters! - UK cover UK edition

Linda Jaivin is an internationally published Australian author, cultural commentator,essayist and translator. She is the author of thirteen books – seven novels and sixworks of non-fiction including her latest, Bombard the Headquarters! China’s CulturalRevolution and The Shortest History of China, which has been translated into nearlytwo dozen languages. She lives in Sydney on the unceded land of the Gadigalpeople of the Eora nation.

Author portrait Photo by Anna Ha
THE SHORTEST HISTORY OF CHINA (2021)

THE SHORTEST HISTORY OF CHINA (2021)

Number 1 on Five Books Best China Books of 2021.


It’s no mean feat to cover the entire history of China in fifteen chapters, but Linda Jaivin manages it with panache.

Louisa Lim

Giant panda in natural habitat
PODCAST

China: The First Emperor

With contributions from Frances Wood, author of The First Emperor; Steve Tsang, The Political Thought of Xi Jinping; Amanda Hsiao, senior China analyst for the Crisis Group; Nathan Law, exiled activist, Hong Kong Umbrella Movement; Chris Buckley, Chief China correspondent of the New York Times now based in Taiwan; plus Paul FrenchLinda JaivinTania Branigan and Ian Johnson, author of Sparks.

Presenter Misha Glenny is the author of McMafia and a former Central Europe correspondent for the BBC. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.

Upcoming Events

25 June

Writers @ Stanton: Linda Jaivin

Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 1:00 pm AEST

Stanton Library Level 1 Sydney

Free

Expert Linda Jaivin joins us with her new book that provides a riveting account of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

28 June

Linda Jaivin: Shades of the Cultural Revolution - From Mao to Musk

Saturday 28 June 2025 at 4:00 pm AEST

Blackheath Public School

Tickets from $5 to $10

Join Linda Jaivin as she explores the Cultural Revolution, its impact on China, and its relevance today.

1 July

Linda Jaivin in conversation with Echo Hui

Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 6:30 pm AEST

Ashfield Library

Free

Linda Jaivin is joined by Echo Hui to discuss her new book Bombard the Headquarters: the cultural revolution in China, a riveting account of a extraordinary and turbulent period in recent Chinese history.

17 July

Brisbane: Linda Jaivin - Bombard the Headquarters!

Thursday 17 July 2025 at 6:00 pm AEST

Avid Reader Bookshop Brisbane

Tickets from $15.00 / Book and ticket deal $30.00

Linda Jaivin discusses her new book Bombard the Headquarters! The Cultural Revolution in China at Avid Reader Bookshop in West End, Brisbane.

20 July

Willoughby: Linda Jaivin - Bombard the Headquarters!

Sunday 20 July 2025 at 2:00 pm AEST

Chatswood Library

Free

China expert Linda Jaivin presents "Bombard the Headquarters!", a gripping account of the Cultural Revolution and its lasting impact.

Linda Jaivin in conversation with Michael Pembroke

Sunday 20 July 2025 at 3:30 pm AEST

Chatswood Library

Free

Linda Jaivin and Michael Pembroke discuss how relations with the outside world have changed China, from ancient to modern times.

17 October

18-19 October: Headland Writers Festival

Saturday 18 October 2025 at 9:00 am AEDT

Headland Writers Festival

Sold Out

Authors announced: Sofie Laguna, Kim Mahood, Omar Musa, Linda Jaivin, Luke Horton, Samah Sabawi, Quentin Sprague, Jade Timms & Jess Hamilton. More to be announced soon!

Some Of My Books