This is a lovely little novel! It's quite short (184 pages), but the author makes every page count. It's a story about the power of literature as experienced by two teenaged boys during their 're-education' in Mao's China.

"Picture, if you will, a boy of nineteen, still slumbering in the limbo of adolescence, having heard nothing but revolutionary blather about patriotism, Communism, ideology and propaganda all his life, falling headlong into a story of awakening desire, passion, impulsive action, love, of all the subjects that had, until then, been hidden from me."

The tradition of oral story-telling is also brought into the spotlight, although the narrator feels its days are numbered.

"The only thing that Lao was really good at was stelling stories. A pleasing talent to be sure, but a marginal one, with little future in it. Modern man has moved beyond the Thousand-and-One Nights, and modern societies everywhere, whether socialist or capitalist, have done away with the old storytellers - more's the pity."

This short tale of a half dozen characters, a remote locale, and the power of a good book is a gem. Enjoy!

Santa's little helper, Jamesmum, also surprised me with this book from my wish list. I had this book in my hand at a book sale when someone else expressed interest and I let them take it. I wasn't able to find it again....so happy to have it and cannot wait to read it. THANK YOU so much!!! Hugs!

This book is small and got misplaced in my craft room. My apologies in taking so long with it! I try to read my BC books first.
While I found this story difficult to read in parts (possibly due to translation), I did find it to be a charming little story. Luo and his friend are sent to a village for “re-education” where they meet this little seamstress. The story tells of their time in the village and their journey to educate and win the heart of the seamstress with forbidden books. The ending was a surprise so I won't give it away.
Tomorrow it will be on its way to genielady. Hope you enjoy!

Thank you so much for the book - I've been wanting to read this one for a long time. Will share with my son "xanderer" when I'm finished. Thanks for the cute bookmark, too!

I enjoyed this book very much. I had no idea of what those who were re-educated went through. This certainly broadened my knowledge of Chinese history and culture.

Everything about this book is lovely. Even the size of the book itself and the layout of the pages contribute to the feeling that this book is something precious; something sacred. And I always enjoy the lush, lyrical quality of prose translated from Asian languages.
A unique story in a unique setting with unique characters.

Outside in the Pritzker Garden. Enjoy!