Drawing from her childhood experience, Ying Chang Compestine brings hope and humor to this compelling story for all ages about a girl fighting to survive during the Cultural Revolution in China. Nine-year-old Ling is very comfortable in her life; her parents are both dedicated surgeons in the best hospital in Wuhan. But when Comrade Li, one of Mao's political officers, moves into a room in their apartment, Ling begins to witness the gradual disintegration of her world. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbors and, soon, for herself and family. Over the course of four years, Ling manages to grow and blossom, even as she suffers more horrors than many people face in a lifetime.
Reviews
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The title belies the content of this riveting fictional account of life in China under Mao. Told from the perspective of Ling, the young daughter of two doctors, the story chronicles her father's imprisonment, attacks by schoolmates, betrayal by neighbors, and her sometimes painful relationship with her mother. Jodi Long's portrayal of Mao's dogmatic and screeching lieutenants is scary, a feeling that is relieved by the father's gentleness and Ling's own determination and resourcefulness. Long's voice sounds older than Ling's might be at 9 or even 13, when the story ends, but that's a quibble. Though the packaging says "recommended for ages 12 to 17," this short production should hold anyone's attention. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
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All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party
by Ying Chang Compestine
