“Despite his father’s selfishness and cruelty, Li eventually established a warm relationship with him. His stormy narrative ultimately becomes a journey to reconciliation, as Li makes peace with his father, with his heritage and with China itself.” — Los Angeles Times
“Li’s memoir is not just an account of a turbulent period of Chinese history. It is also the heart-rending story of a father-son relationship in which ambition proves more powerful than love . . . Li Na’s story overlaps with so much of the drama of modern China that it provides a compelling firsthand view of history.” — Christian Science Monitor
“Wrenching memoir of growing up in China during a time of war and upheaval.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This brilliant memoir is as much about modern Chinese history as it is about familial relationships. Recommended for all public and academic libraries with collections on China or the immigrant experience.” — Library Journal
“[A] fascinating and at times heart-wrenching read...witty, sensitive, and profound.” — Santa Barbara News-Press
