Defying China: A Memoir

by Tsultrim Dolma, Rebecca Hsieh

The incredible true story of a teen who became an activist for the Tibetan independence movement, for readers of Red Scarf Girl and Farewell to Manzanar.

Tsultrim Dolma, born in a tiny village in the stunning mountains of eastern Tibet, always knew there had to be more than the life expected of More than no education, because her family was poor. More than being married off at a young age, because she was a girl. More than barely getting by under oppressive Chinese occupation, because she was Tibetan. When she was sixteen, Tsultrim found more, joining protests for the Tibetan independence movement, the call for her beloved country’s liberation from the People’s Republic of China. Shortly after, she was arrested and sent to Gutsa Detention Center, notorious for its brutal torture of political prisoners like Tsultrim.

This young adult memoir follows Tsultrim’s courageous coming of age through her time at Gutsa, being heavily surveilled by the government after her release, and, ultimately, her escape to the U.S. It also underscores the bravery it takes to speak up, and the power to be found in sharing one’s story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, China, Activism, Politics

352 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was very easy to read and a fascinating look into a totally different culture. I loved learning about what it was like growing up in rural Tibet in the 80s. I always knew there was a conflict in Tibet but really knew nothing about it. I’m glad to know a little more now, especially from an insiders perspective. I would love to know more about the authors journey as an adult, after the events of the book.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tsultrim grew up in occupied Tibet, where she would likely have become a teenage bride had she not spontaneously entered a life of religious service instead. As a nun, she joined protests against the Chinese government, shouting for Tibet's freedom -- and being jailed for it. This memoir chronicles her mistreatment and abuse, her courage to speak up, and ultimately her escape from Tibet as a refugee.

This memoir, written for teens and young adults, highlights the long struggle of the Tibet people -- a topic that the Western world has largely ignored. I'm glad I read this book if only to learn a little more about what has been happening in that part of the world.


Some descriptions of violence.
Attempted sexual assault.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

For a long time I thought I didn't like nonfiction, and this book helped me understand why. It also explains why it took me so long to make it through this book. I kept going back, hoping it would get better.

While I understand the importance of following someone's biographical journey, in a memoir, you focus on a specific period of time or defining event. Sadly, the focus was not always clear, or was so didactic, that I could not engage. There were parts that I felt could be more developed, and other parts where they should have been cut because it took away from the expressed intent. I would say this book is only for someone who is just learning about Tibet and its history with China.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic Young Adult Memoir following Tsultrim growing up in 1980’s Tibet under the Chinese Occupation. We follow her life from the poor rural farming community where at 11 years old she decides to take her life into her own hands, to Lhasa as a young nun joining the protests for Tibetan Independence, her arrest and eventual escape through Kathmandu and the new life she is beginning to forge just in her early twenties.

An extraordinary, well written engaging memoir - will be highly recommended to my students.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Young Readers Group | Dial Books for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tsultrim Dolma is the inspiring and determined activist that teens need to know about! Defying China educated me beyond measure, I left feeling informed and readied. The work that Tsultrim and others are doing is working not only for Tibet but for so many people enduring similar injustices. This book is sure to connect with so many young readers, it may offer peace in companionship, ignite action, even if only inform the unaware. There has always been a need to hear Tsultrim's story, but I think now more than ever it needs to be screamed from mountains. People will listen!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an ARC of Defying China!

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic memoir that's perfectly suited for a YA audience. the writing style was fantastic and everything throughout was absolutely interesting. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

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