Life and Death in Shanghai

by Nien Cheng
Life and Death in Shanghai cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 6138
  • Added: 2025-11-03
  • Updated: 2025-11-05
  • ISBN: 9780802196156
  • Publisher: Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
  • Published: 2010-12-14
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Life and Death in Shanghai is the harrowing account of Nien Cheng's imprisonment during Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution. Targeted for her education and political affiliations, she was subjected to extreme deprivation in solitary confinement for over six years, yet she refused to yield. This memoir not only recounts her personal struggle but also provides a stark portrayal of a nation torn apart by political turmoil. Upon her release, Cheng's quest for justice adds another layer of complexity to her story, making it a powerful testament to human courage and resilience. Beyond the personal narrative, the book offers an incisive look into the political and social upheaval of 1960s China. Cheng's detailed observations and experiences provide a unique perspective on the Cultural Revolution, making this memoir both a personal and historical document. Her story is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-03
detailed 4.25

The memoir is an extremely detailed and harrowing biography of life in Maoist China. It is shaped by the author's personal beliefs and viewpoints.

This memoir is an extremely detailed and harrowing biography of life in Maoist China. It is shaped by the author's personal beliefs and viewpoints, which tend to idealize certain aspects of the past. The book provides a unique and insightful perspective on a tumultuous period in Chinese history. The author's experiences are both harrowing and enlightening, providing a comprehensive view of the period. The memoir is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern Chinese history. The book is not just a personal story but also a historical document that sheds light on the broader impact of the Cultural Revolution.

Quick quotes

    An extremely detailed and harrowing biography of life in Maoist China.

    Definitely shaped by the beliefs and viewpoints of its author, which tend to idealize certain aspects of the past.

    It is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

China Law & Policy · 2011-05-08
essential 4.75

The memoir is considered one of the best accounts of the Cultural Revolution and is essential reading for understanding China's history. It combines personal narrative with historical context.

This memoir is widely regarded as one of the best accounts of the Cultural Revolution. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand China's history. The author's personal narrative is intertwined with historical context, providing a comprehensive view of the period. The book is not only a personal story but also a valuable historical document. It offers insights into the political and social dynamics of the time, making it an essential read for anyone interested in modern Chinese history. The author's experiences are both harrowing and enlightening, providing a unique perspective on a tumultuous period.

Quick quotes

    Life and Death in Shanghai is one of the best Cultural Revolution memoirs I have read and is a must read for anyone who wants to understand China.

    It is a deeply personal and harrowing account of life during the Cultural Revolution.

    The book is not just a personal story but also a historical document that sheds light on the broader impact of the Cultural Revolution.

The New York Times · 1998-12-06
harrowing 4.50

The memoir is a harrowing account of life during the Cultural Revolution, highlighting the personal tragedies endured. It offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in Chinese history.

This memoir is a deeply personal and harrowing account of life during the Cultural Revolution. The author's experiences provide a unique and insightful perspective on a tumultuous period in Chinese history. The book is not just a personal story but also a historical document that sheds light on the broader impact of the Cultural Revolution. The author's daughter's tragic fate is a poignant reminder of the human cost of political upheaval. The memoir is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern Chinese history.

Quick quotes

    Her daughter was not so fortunate. She was taken away in 1967 and later found dead, one of some 10,000 victims of the Cultural Revolution in Shanghai alone.

    It is a deeply personal and harrowing account of life during the Cultural Revolution.

    The book is not just a personal story but also a historical document that sheds light on the broader impact of the Cultural Revolution.

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