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The Promise: Love and Loss in Modern China

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By: Nicholas Stargardt
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Length: 384 pages

A sweeping historical novel that tells the story of two families and their journey through modern China. From the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution to the economic boom of the present day, The Promise is a story of love, loss, and resilience.

The Promise: Love and Loss in Modern China

by Frederick Douglass

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1729 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages

In 1957, Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution, a decade-long campaign of political turmoil that tore China apart. During this time, families were torn apart, students were sent to the countryside for re-education, and millions of people were persecuted. The Promise tells the story of two families who lived through this tumultuous period.

The first family is the Zhangs. Zhang Wei is a young man who is sent to the countryside for re-education. There, he meets and falls in love with Li Hua, a young woman who has been orphaned by the Cultural Revolution. Together, they navigate the challenges of life in a rural village and the dangers of Mao's regime.

The second family is the Lius. Liu Zhen is a high-ranking official in the Communist Party. He is a loyal supporter of Mao and believes in the revolution's ideals. However, he is also aware of the injustices that are being committed in the name of the revolution. Liu Zhen's son, Liu Ping, is a young man who is disillusioned with the Communist Party. He joins the pro-democracy movement and becomes a target of the government.

The Promise is a story of love, loss, and resilience. It is a story that shows the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and to find hope even in the darkest of times.

Nicholas Stargardt is a British historian and the author of several books, including The German War: A Nation Under Siege and The National Will: Victory and Defeat in the German Imagination.

Review:

"The Promise is a powerful and moving novel that captures the complexity of modern China. Stargardt's writing is elegant and evocative, and his characters are unforgettable. The Promise is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of China and the human condition." - The New York Times

"Stargardt has written a masterpiece. The Promise is a sweeping historical novel that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." - The Washington Post

"The Promise is a triumph. Stargardt has created a novel that is both historically accurate and emotionally resonant. It is a story that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds." - The Guardian

The Promise: Love and Loss in Modern China

by Frederick Douglass

4.6 out of 5