A Leaf in the Bitter Wind

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A struggle for freedom - Rated
Ting-xing Ye's book shows eminently how political systems and decisions influence profoundly individual lives.
It is a personal report on Mao's one party-paradise: no free communications (total censorship), no free speech, no free travel, no free time, only harsh work and tiring meetings of political indoctrination. The reward was a meagre meal.
Marriage had to be approved by the Communist Party. Socially, all important were good connections with corrupt party bureaucrats and their rampant nepotism. Informants were all over the place, creating a sick atmosphere of suspicion. Only a few family members and friends could be trusted.

Ye's realistic portrait of the upheaval created by the, for China, disastrous Cultural Revolution is impresssive.
Her book gives also an inside look on the main character traits of the Chinese and the all important 'fear for loss of face'.

Ye's autobiography discloses a permanent struggle for personal independence from family chains and from the terribly irritating climate of suspicion and the sham pressure for political 'correctness', in one word, to be free from the Party's eyes.
Her book is an in depth political report with an individual human touch.

Not to be missed.

What a wonderful in-sight into modern life in China - Rated
This book was a fascinating read. It was such a revealing and frank review of the Chinese cultural revolution as well as being a real eye-opener. The book was easy to read as it was both moving and interesting and I really wanted to learn about how the author's life changed over time.

An excellent book - Rated
I picked up this book out of my curiosity on the Cultural Revolution and ended up getting more insight than I originally bargained for. The book is packed with unusual stories reflecting the author's long struggle, some of which are downright disturbing.

Must Read!! - Rated
Among all the books that I read about the Cultural Revolution and all the political turmoils that happened in China, Ting-Xing Ye is the only writer who is as honest and straight-forward as she could be in telling her extraordinary life. Without any cosmetic phrases and additions, the book took me through a turbulent journey as if I were accompanied by Ye herself. Once I started I couldn't put down the book. I kept on flipping back to the pages where a bunch of her family's photos were displayed. Repeatedly I looked into their eyes and asked "why?" I admired Ye's courage and I wish her the best. Like others I would love to know whether she got a chance to meet her daugher subsequently. Bravo!!

Under Chairman Mao's Fist - Rated
For anyone who wants to know what it was like to be Chinese and live through the various campaigns of Chairman Mao, this is the book to read. It will take you to Communist China and buffet you like A Leaf in the Bitter Wind. And finally, you will understand. The writing is superb.