Life and Death in Shanghai

I feel the book can be cut down to 1/3 long. Too much unnecessary details' descriptions, if one sentence could be enough to say everything, it took her a whole or even more paragraphs. I almost lose my patience to finish the book, I read 60+ pages, i feel i only got 2 pages information and story.

I strongly recommend this book. It serves as a warning to us all. Do not take your freedoms for granted.

I read this book years ago, and never forgot it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand about China's recent history

The content is exactly what I needed for learning, nice price and good look.Compared to other sales in the same range, this one is much better.

The book was in terrible condition especially after paying $18.00 for it. The pages were folded, spilled coffee stains and just falling apart.

"Life and Death in Shanghai" was written by a woman who looks as delicate as a sparrow, has a voice like a distant, tinkling bell, and moves with the light grace of a ballerina. Everything about her is cultured, and spending time with her reminds you of how much the Chinese value "li," politeness. Yet the masters of torture in the Red Guard imprisoned this widow and her teenaged daughter, Mei Peng, for seven years, as Nien was considered "tao feng," the enemy. Why? Because she came from a Mandarin family. When Chairman Mao instigated the Cultural Revolution, he not only bored people to death quoting his quotations, he massacred everyone he didn't consider peasants. Jade carvers, for example, had their hands cut off, as they worked for the upper classes. Nien was in solitary confinement except for a tiny spider. However, one day the spider died, and, in a deeply touching scene, she mourned her only companion. One idea sustained her through an ordeal that killed most or drove them insane: her daughter, Mei Peng. Nien had to stay alive for the day she and Mei Peng would be free again. One day Nien was released, but I won't continue. All I will say is this story is one of the world's great classics, beautifully written in prose as clear as her bell-like voice. The vastness of her intelligence comes through in every sentence, and the huge breadth of her humanity. All people should read this book. - Ann Seymour, author of "I've Always Loved You," a true story of ww2 in the Pacific

This inspiring woman suffers greatly for her refusal to conform to the lies of society's leaders during the upheaval of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Rather than being consumed by bitterness she remains sympathetic to the sufferings of her fellow Chinese and the challenges facing the authorities. Highly recommended.

Nien Cheng's Life and Death in Shanghai is a very well written and inspiring autobiography. The story is based on her experiences and obstacles that she faced during the Cultural Revolution in Communist China. Cheng is a very courageous and intelligent woman who has survived many terrible situations. The distinction between her life before and after the Cultural Revolution clearly reveals the corruption and curelty of Communist China during that time. Cheng tells every detail, which captures the reader's heart and mind. Although her writing is not very emotional or passionate, her unique and amazing way of writing leaves the reader with emotions and sympathy. The book is not only a source of inspiration,but also a source of very precise historical information. The purpose of the book was for Cheng to reveal the victimization of the upper class of China. Because this kind of memoir is rare, it makes the book even more unique and interesting to read. Throughout the memoir, Cheng faces obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, but she has remarkable willpower and faith that got her through brutal times. Her confidence and willpower truly stirs the reader. Although Cheng faced horrible conditions in Communist China, she does not feel hatred for the country. This illustrates her compassionate and forgiving personality and good nature. This autobiography truly inspires and captivates the reader.

This is a remarkable book about the experience of one woman and what can happen to someone when they are caught in the grip of revolution, historical events and irrational forces over which you have no control. The tragedy for Nien Chen was that she and her family lived abroad and need not have returned to China but we're optimistic and believed that the Communist system was just and would improve the lives of many.When the Cultural Revolution burst onto the scene, she was subjected to profound personal tragedy, imprisoned and subjected to a reign of terror. Throughout her ordeal of six and a half year imprisonment, she refused to confess falsely to the crimes she was accused of and fought back against the system with the only tools available to her, using quotations from Mao's Little Red Book and utterances from the Communist party to protect herself. She never criticised the system, just saying that her imprisonment must be some kind of mistake or misunderstanding as she had done nothing wrong. She stood up to her persecutors and refused to be cowed or intimidated, even when tortured. Ultimately she discovered that the real reason for her imprisonment, was that she had been a pawn in a political power struggle to discredit The Premier, Chou En Lai. She paints a vivid and horrifying picture of the times, what it was like for her and hundreds of thousands of others, to live through the nightmare of the Cultural Revolution, the irrationality and the fear. A devastating critique of the times and the suffering inflicted on countless innocent victims. A deeply moving book, erudite, beautifully written and a testament to the strength of character of one woman, her quest for justice and the indomitable courage of the human spirit.

tremendous read ,very good for book groups lots to discuss

I got what I paid for.Reasonable condition& happy buy!

So happy I bought this book. The author told the story about the darkest history of China in perfect English. As a Chinese, I am very glad someone could document that piece of history so detailed to the world. Her strength, courage, and wisdom inspires me. Such a book would never been seen in mainland China. It is a very old copy I got; but, I will keep it.