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Book Review By Liza Rosette
Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng

During the Cultural Revolution in China, Nien Cheng, who had worked for Shell for many years, was arrested and thrown into jail after being accused of being a spy for the British. At the hands of prison wardens and interrogators she suffered from unfair cruelty and various accusations against her, but she never gave in. At one point during her sentence she had to wear a pair of handcuffs for over three days that infected her wrists. Before the revolution she had led an indulged life with her hard working daughter and circle of friends.
After six and a half years she was released, to discover that her daughter had been murdered. It took a long time for her to gain justice, but after she did she left China and flew to America. Since she left she has never returned to Shanghai.


Plot & Themes
Political/social rights fight Yes
Plotlet:
Which institution - prison
Life in an institution Yes

Subject of Biography
Gender - Female
Profession/status:
Ethnicity - Chinese
Nationality - Chinese

Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings? - 7 ()
City? Yes

Writing Style
Book makes you feel? - in awe
If this is a kid's book: - Age 16-Adult
Pictures/Illustrations? - None
How much dialogue in bio? - significantly more dialog than descript
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