Decoded - A Novel

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.

About the author

Jiang Benhu, better known by his pseudonym 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.

Product details

• Authors: Mai Jia, Jia Mai
• Assisted by: Olivia Milburn (Translation), Milburn Olivia (Translation), Christopher N. Payne (Translation)
• Publisher: Penguin Books Uk
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Release: 13.08.2026
• EAN: 9780241811375
• ISBN: 978-0-241-81137-5
• No. of pages: 455
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 35 mm
• Series: Penguin Modern Classics – Crime & Espionage; Penguin Modern Classics - Crime & Espionage
• Subjects: Fiction > Suspense; China, FICTION / Historical / General, FICTION / Sagas, Historical fiction, FICTION / Thrillers / Espionage, Fiction in translation, FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense, Thriller / suspense, Espionage and spy thriller, FICTION / World Literature / China / 21st Century, Coding theory and cryptology, FICTION / Places / Asia