Customer Reviews

Woman from Shanghai: Tales of Survival from a Chinese Labor Camp

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"Woman from Shanghai" is a collection of biographical stories from several people in Chinese labor camps in the late '50s and early '60s. The author spent years tracking down former inmates, most wrongfully accused of having "ill" political thoughts, and interviewing them about their experiences in the desert prison.

Very little judgment is passed. The biographies speak for themselves about the terrible system of repression and torture in China. The narratives focus on the harsh conditions. There is very little about the major political figures of the time, but plenty on local politics and relationships. Some of the stories are very emotional because of the tragic toll the labor camps and prisons took on people's lives.

"Woman from Shanghai" is well-written. I'm sure much of the credit should go to the translator. The whole book reads well and is great for a lay person such as myself.

Fascinating story wonderful prose and a window into pre and post revolutionary Shanghai and the resulting emigration. Life in Chinatown and the struggle to maintain their culture and traditions in Los Angeles. A great read.