7/10 ( )

I found this book rather frightening, although it deals with historically accurate events. There is a great deal of pathos in the characters, and the situation of 1970s China is tellingly rendered. Very worthwhile read, and well-structured. ( )

Reviewed for VPRC. It is a real pity that this book has such a boring cover as boys will really like this once they get into the story of life for poverty stricken rural teenagers in Mao's China. Ming has survived the famine that killed his parents and works all day in the fields to provide food for the commune. Into their village one day come a group of city boys who have been sent to be "re-educated" into the communist ideal way of life. One of these boys is called Li and he makes friends with Ming. Even so far as helping him overcome his shyness towards a beautiful village girl Fei and the two share a love of evening swims. As conditions get harder and both suffer from bullying and general torment, they confide their ultimate dream - swimming to freedom. Will they see it through? Gripping and fascinating book that had a few plot twists that I didn't see coming. One for the older, thoughtful student who likes history or who may have family connections to that period of time. ( )