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Product Reviews:
Red Scarf Girl (rpkg): A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Red Scarf Girl
Comments: The book "Red Scarf Girl" is an in-depth, moving memoir about a12 year-old girl named Ji-li who was living her life to the fullest until the Cultural Revolution. "...I felt like the luckiest girl in the world" (17) Ji-li says. Then1day, China's leader, Chairman Mao, launched the Revolution, and Ji-li's life is flipped upside-down. Student inspectors begin to harass people who are wearing old fashions in public, and Ji-li and her friends are bullied in school because of their families and their routines. Ji-li and her classmates even have to write hurtful propaganda on posters, or da-zi-bao, about their teachers. Though Ji-li did nothing wrong, a da-zi-bao was pasted near a store about her relationship with her teacher. She was also cornered by the Red Successors; a group of elementary students who were training to become Red Guards. Red Guards were high schoolers and adults who rebelled against the old ways. After Ji-li's graduation, things turn for the worse; the Red Guards inspect houses to search for things that related to the "old ways", and leave houses torn apart and destroyed. People commit suicide, are beaten, jailed, and executed. People even revolted against their own families because they're status was "black". This book is a page turner, and with1event of insanity after another, it's hard not to ponder about the outcome, as well as see when all of it is going to end. |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Classics for homeschoolers
Comments: This book fits nicely in our homeschooling reading program. It is a wonderful addition to our classics collection. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Red Scarf Girl
Comments: A compelling memoir from a girl growing up during the Chinese cultural revolution. Filled with patriotic fervor for the Chinese communist government, Ji-li is at 1st ashamed to be part of her family, which is persecuted because of her grandfather's political beliefs. however as she sees injustices heaped onto the heads of many people around her, she gradually becomes disillusioned and no longer believes government propaganda. Ji-li's authentic voice inspires discussion about family loyalties, government betrayals, and China's history.
This is a great book to read with children. I read it aloud to my daughter, who could not believe that this life happened to this girl and many like her in China. It prompted lots of discussion about families and government. Even kids as young as 10 or 11 should be able to appreciate the story, and it's fascinating for adults too. |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Red is Dead
Comments: I read this book quite a few books ago. What I remember was that it was compelling. The author is forced to serve the "People" and endures many hardships while working in an Army production camp. Her description reminds1of Siberian memoirs on not such a grand scale, rather a Chinese adaptation.
The author begins by demonstrating her arrogance through stories of her childhood prior to service in the camp, she was selfish and cruel.
She excels as a patriot, and is promoted as a leader within her work group, she doesn't prove to have much compassion for others. Her colors almost all vividly show in1particular scene; when2people are discovered as lovers meeting in secret (male/female relationships are forbidden), with horrible consequences a result. The author eagerly participated in their punishment, only to suffer deep regret later. However, this experience, the enduring exhaustion of the camp, and lack of personal freedoms brings about a metamorphosis.
She realizes that there is no humanity in Communism, no true accomplishment in which1can honestly take pride; her disillusionment brings about her own self-discoveries in the end making her a better person.
I found the narrative honest, in no sense was did it come across as embroidered to make it more compelling. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Fantastic!!
Comments: This book is about the cultural revolution. Through her own difficult hard times, the author tells the story of her and her family from the age of 12-14. This book is great for children and adults. It really tells what happened to family's during the cultural revolution |
