Eye-opening experience when reading this book. Loved it. ( )

Having read this a second time recently for a book group, I was struck again by how graceful Cheng's writing is. For someone who has endured what most would call a slice of hell, she has a grace and strength present from start to finish. It is a wonder that she is able to recall the smallest details that she writes about, but with the time of her hands spent in isolation, it's no small wonder that she had time to hone her storytelling. A beautifully written book. ( )

An amazing story of the power of the human spirit to survive adversity. While the story of a woman in solitary confinement during the height of China's cultural revolution may seem to be a story that would depressing and difficult to read, this woman's story is infused a tremendous amount of humanity and courage and steadfast belief in right and the ultimate triumph of right -- so much so that the book is continually uplifting and inspiring. Here is a woman to be considered a true hero. ( )

This is a powerful memoir that shows incredible resilience and resourcefulness. ( )

Nien Cheng ended up in prison during the Cultural Revolution. Given nothing to read but the Little Red Book. She would use statements from the book to baffle and confuse her Red Guard interrogators. She would use the book to contradict her interrogators who could not argue with statements by Chairman Mao. A good compliment to [Wild Swans].