Posted By: Melissa J Marks
Posted On: May 6, 2013
This autobiography illustrates one person's life in Shanhai during the political upheavals of the 1940s and 1950s. When her well-to-do father remarries, her life changes: she no longer feels cared for and the traditions in her life are altered. She moves to England and then to America, but her Chinese culture (obviously) continues to influence who she is, her relationships, and her life-views.
The book is very well written and interesting, showing all types of specifics about family/generational dynamics in China, the historical changes that the Revolution brought, and how it affected "regular" individuals as well as the clothing, food, and celebrations of the time. Weaving the culture so seamlessly into the story provides the specifics recommended in multicultural literature; the use of language/idioms, religious customs, and family expectations within the story allows the reader greater insight to the Chinese culture. Additionally, this would provide the individualization needed to complement a history survey course when focused on China.
Because of this book has a lot of psychological depth to it, it would be best for juniors or seniors in hgih school -- or even AP students. Selections of it could be read by ninth and tenth graders, but there is a lot of mature content in it.