Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party - Tapa blanda

* "Readers should remain rapt by Compestine's storytelling throughout this gripping account of life during China's Cultural Revolution."--"Publishers Weekly," Starred Review"Laced in all the right places with humor, fury, fear, resolve and eventual relief, her childlike voice is carefully maintained over the sweep of four years--candid and credible, naive and nuanced."--"San Francisco Chronicle" "This child's-eye view of the Chinese Cultural Revolution is ultimately a tale of survival; lyrical yet gripping, accessible and memorable, it's based on the author's experiences. Certain to inspire discussion about freedom and justice."--"Kirkus Reviews" "Authentic. . . . This semi-autobiographical novel comes alive with the author's rich descriptions of the sights and smells of China at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution."--"School Library Journal""In clipped lyrical sentences, Compestine's first-person narrative sets a naive child's struggle to survive against betrayal and cour

Nine-year-old Ling leads a happy life with her parents, who are both dedicated doctors. Her world gradually starts to disintegrate when Comrade Li, one of Mao’s political officers, moves into their apartment. In an atmosphere of increasing mistrust, Ling fears for the safety of her neighbours, and soon for herself and her parents. Over the course of four years, and despite witnessing many horrors, Ling not only survives, but manages to bloom as well.