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Description
The book follows Hua Xiayu, a talented young Chinese artist who becomes a victim of the Cultural Revolution in 1960s Communist China. After being falsely accused of spreading anti-revolutionary ideas, he faces humiliation, beatings, and is sentenced to hard labor. His artistic talents lead him to be sent to an isolated factory where he is deprived, tortured, and ultimately exiled.
Quick Summary
Set during one of history's most chaotic periods, this story follows an ordinary teenager suddenly caught in a terrifying game of accusation and survival where nothing makes sense and anyone could turn against you. Readers will grip their pages as Hua Xiayu must outsmart cruel captors, find unexpected allies, and hold onto hope while facing impossible circumstances that would break even adults. If your kid loves the emotional punch and historical tension of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas or the survival grit of Hatchet, they'll be hooked from page one. Perfect for teens 14 and up who enjoy historical fiction with real heart and high stakes.