What do you think?
Rate this book
Song of Praise for a Flower: One Woman's Journey through China's Tumultuous 20th Century
For nearly two decades, this manuscript lay hidden in a Chinese bank vault until a long-lost cousin from America inspired 92-year-old author Fengxian Chu to unearth it. "Song of Praise for a Flower" traces a century of Chinese history through the experiences of one woman and her family, from the dark years of World War II and China’s civil war to the tragic Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and beyond. It is a window into a faraway world, a sweeping epic about China’s tumultuous transformation and a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting story of a remarkable woman who survives it all and finally finds peace and tranquility. Chu’s story begins in the 1920s in an idyllic home in the heart of China’s rice country. Her life is a struggle from the start. At a young age, she defies foot-binding and an arranged marriage and sneaks away from home to attend school. Her young adulthood is thrown into turmoil when the Japanese invade and ransack her village. Later her family is driven to starvation when Mao Zedong’s Communist Party seizes power and her husband is branded a ‘bad element.’ After Mao’s death in the 1970s, as China picks up the pieces and moves in a new direction, Chu eventually finds herself in a glittering city on the sea adjacent to Hong Kong, worlds away in both culture and time from the place she came from. “Fengxian Chu’s first-person account of growing up female in feudal rural China is ultimately as uplifting as it is heart wrenching. Beautiful and bravely written. Bravo.” – Michael J. Totten, author of Where the West Ends
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2017
130 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 27, 2018
Sometimes you read a book that puts everyday petty concerns into perspective. Song of Praise for a Flower is such a book.
The subtitle ‘One Woman’s Journey through China’s Tumultuous 20th Century’ barely does justice to the remarkable story of Fengxian Chu contained within the book. It’s a story that her cousin, Charlene Chu, helped translate from manuscript into book form, adding historical and cultural context where necessary but never losing Fengxian’s powerful narrative voice.
Fengxian’s story takes the reader on a journey from the constraints of a traditional Chinese upbringing through separation, bereavement, ostracism, poverty, near starvation, physical hardship and cruelty – some at the hands of individuals and even family members, some at the hands of the state. Such is the suffering depicted, that at times it is definitely not an easy read.
However, it’s also compelling as a story of determination, fortitude, love and triumph over adversity. It’s also a source of great wisdom:
‘One important lesson I have learned is that happiness does not fall from the sky; it is earned through painstaking effort.’
‘Age gives us wisdom, but it doesn’t always give us answers.’
‘Life can be a song or a whine. I prefer to sing.’
Along the way, the reader learns much about Chinese culture, customs and ways of thinking and the events of a period of extraordinary political and cultural change in China’s history. Probably the aspect I found most difficulty with was Fengxian’s seemingly fatalistic attitude to life. Even when poverty results in family bereavement, she ascribes this to ‘bad fate’, believing ‘good fate’ would have seen the bereaved born into a wealthier family. To me, this seemed to contradict some of Fengxian’s belief in the importance of effort in attaining happiness.
How Fengxian survived what she did and lived to tell the tale is both amazing and inspiring. In her dedication, Fengxian writes: ‘It is my own belief that one of the most priceless possessions one has in this world is his or her story. Each life is a drama. Some scenes are sweet and joyful, others tragic and sad. But what is most important is one’s performance…reaction in the face of adversity, and…willingness to participate.’
The subtitle ‘One Woman’s Journey through China’s Tumultuous 20th Century’ barely does justice to the remarkable story of Fengxian Chu contained within the book. It’s a story that her cousin, Charlene Chu, helped translate from manuscript into book form, adding historical and cultural context where necessary but never losing Fengxian’s powerful narrative voice.
Fengxian’s story takes the reader on a journey from the constraints of a traditional Chinese upbringing through separation, bereavement, ostracism, poverty, near starvation, physical hardship and cruelty – some at the hands of individuals and even family members, some at the hands of the state. Such is the suffering depicted, that at times it is definitely not an easy read.
However, it’s also compelling as a story of determination, fortitude, love and triumph over adversity. It’s also a source of great wisdom:
‘One important lesson I have learned is that happiness does not fall from the sky; it is earned through painstaking effort.’
‘Age gives us wisdom, but it doesn’t always give us answers.’
‘Life can be a song or a whine. I prefer to sing.’
Along the way, the reader learns much about Chinese culture, customs and ways of thinking and the events of a period of extraordinary political and cultural change in China’s history. Probably the aspect I found most difficulty with was Fengxian’s seemingly fatalistic attitude to life. Even when poverty results in family bereavement, she ascribes this to ‘bad fate’, believing ‘good fate’ would have seen the bereaved born into a wealthier family. To me, this seemed to contradict some of Fengxian’s belief in the importance of effort in attaining happiness.
How Fengxian survived what she did and lived to tell the tale is both amazing and inspiring. In her dedication, Fengxian writes: ‘It is my own belief that one of the most priceless possessions one has in this world is his or her story. Each life is a drama. Some scenes are sweet and joyful, others tragic and sad. But what is most important is one’s performance…reaction in the face of adversity, and…willingness to participate.’
September 17, 2018
I know very little about the history of China and after reading this book I still know very little about the history of China. The book covers a long time period from 1920 to the present but it’s derived from one woman’s personal journal. She was a remarkably literate woman for her time and place but she was ignorant as to what was going on not only in her own country but in the world as a whole.
Charlene Chu was on a trip to China and was on a quest to learn more about her father’s history. In her quest she found so much more that she could have hoped. In searching for where her father was born she actually found some surviving members of his family. They led her to her father’s cousin, Fengxian who was still alive but living near Hong Kong. Charlene traveled to see her and found that she had written journals telling the story of her life. It was a remarkable thing given that women from her generation were rarely literate. Fengxian wanted to leave the story to her children but was excited at the idea of having the story published. Charlene worked at getting it translated and packaged for Western readers and Song of Praise for a Flower was born.
The story is a fascinating one. Fengxian was a headstrong young woman; she fought against the tradition of foot binding and the marriage her mother arranged for her. She continued her education to college where it was sadly interrupted by WWII. Her life did conform to the traditional when she married to a degree but she mostly kept her bold spirit.
It does take a bit to get used to the rhythm of the writing. It is written in a very linear style and it feels very close. Fengxian lived a very cloistered life to a degree and she readily admits that she paid no attention at all to world or China affairs so their is no surrounding context to the actions in the book. I spent a bit of time with Mr. Google to help my meager knowledge of the history of the time.
This is truly a character driven tale and they are strong and memorable. I found myself thinking about this story long after I finished it.
4.5
Charlene Chu was on a trip to China and was on a quest to learn more about her father’s history. In her quest she found so much more that she could have hoped. In searching for where her father was born she actually found some surviving members of his family. They led her to her father’s cousin, Fengxian who was still alive but living near Hong Kong. Charlene traveled to see her and found that she had written journals telling the story of her life. It was a remarkable thing given that women from her generation were rarely literate. Fengxian wanted to leave the story to her children but was excited at the idea of having the story published. Charlene worked at getting it translated and packaged for Western readers and Song of Praise for a Flower was born.
The story is a fascinating one. Fengxian was a headstrong young woman; she fought against the tradition of foot binding and the marriage her mother arranged for her. She continued her education to college where it was sadly interrupted by WWII. Her life did conform to the traditional when she married to a degree but she mostly kept her bold spirit.
It does take a bit to get used to the rhythm of the writing. It is written in a very linear style and it feels very close. Fengxian lived a very cloistered life to a degree and she readily admits that she paid no attention at all to world or China affairs so their is no surrounding context to the actions in the book. I spent a bit of time with Mr. Google to help my meager knowledge of the history of the time.
This is truly a character driven tale and they are strong and memorable. I found myself thinking about this story long after I finished it.
4.5
June 12, 2018
I'm not sure where to start with this book. It is an understatement to say that I was overwhelmed by it - it touched me deeply and still plays through my head.
But to start where I should - from the beginning - I would like to highlight the beautiful layout and design of the book. The cover is magnificent, delicate and unassuming - a perfect fit for this powerful tale of a gentle but tenacious woman. Getting the opportunity to read this book in softcover was a treat as I greatly prefer the experience to digital books.
Before I even get into the tale I was so enchanted by how this book came to be - this book lay buried waiting to be sighted by family after the authors death - until a long-lost cousin from America wished to know more about her family and so the book was brought into the light. The story then became available to not only family but to the rest of the word - lessons within it's pages and stories told are so valuable relating to history, personal growth and human interaction.
This book is a masterpiece, and I don't say this often about books. Only a few times have I read a truly soul-touching book and this was one of them. The writing style is delicate but strong. Descriptions are perfect, they are vivid are literally like paintings for the imagination - grammar and flow of sentences and chapters is flawless.
This tale is the vivid re-telling of one woman's life journey through China's turbulent years of unrest and change. One woman's story of how she grew up in 20th century China and how she adapted to ever changing environment not only in the greater world, but in her own family. Intrigue, adventure, loss and the exploration of deep emotions and situations gives this tale an aching depth that pulls at your heart strings.
I have already suggested this book to two other friends and will cherish it for many years to come.
5 Stars for a brilliant book.
But to start where I should - from the beginning - I would like to highlight the beautiful layout and design of the book. The cover is magnificent, delicate and unassuming - a perfect fit for this powerful tale of a gentle but tenacious woman. Getting the opportunity to read this book in softcover was a treat as I greatly prefer the experience to digital books.
Before I even get into the tale I was so enchanted by how this book came to be - this book lay buried waiting to be sighted by family after the authors death - until a long-lost cousin from America wished to know more about her family and so the book was brought into the light. The story then became available to not only family but to the rest of the word - lessons within it's pages and stories told are so valuable relating to history, personal growth and human interaction.
This book is a masterpiece, and I don't say this often about books. Only a few times have I read a truly soul-touching book and this was one of them. The writing style is delicate but strong. Descriptions are perfect, they are vivid are literally like paintings for the imagination - grammar and flow of sentences and chapters is flawless.
This tale is the vivid re-telling of one woman's life journey through China's turbulent years of unrest and change. One woman's story of how she grew up in 20th century China and how she adapted to ever changing environment not only in the greater world, but in her own family. Intrigue, adventure, loss and the exploration of deep emotions and situations gives this tale an aching depth that pulls at your heart strings.
I have already suggested this book to two other friends and will cherish it for many years to come.
5 Stars for a brilliant book.
January 17, 2018
A beautiful memoir.
Song of Praise for a Flower: One Woman's Journey Through China's Tumultuous Twentieth Century by Fengxian Chu and Charlene Chu is the story of a woman growing up in 20th century China. Fengxian experiences the changing of China from traditional ways to modern ways. She is the first of her family to attend college and pick who she wants to marry. We see how her life is impacted by the Japanese occupation in the 1940's and the political environment changing from a Dynasty to modern Communism.
This book is also filled with Chinese tales and sayings as well as the authors wisdom gained through a long life. My favorite quote is," Now, in the final season of my life, I see that each of us is given only one chance at life. We must take advantage of every opportunity that life presents. For when we do not truly live, life loses its meaning."
This an eye opening story about one woman, but also her family, in China during the 20th century. I loved tbis memoir and think everyone shoould read it. I liked learning about aspects of Chinese history that I was not aware of before. I think everyone should read this book in order to get a glimpse into China and the life of it's people. This is a beautifully written memoir that you will want to read again and again.
Song of Praise for a Flower: One Woman's Journey Through China's Tumultuous Twentieth Century by Fengxian Chu and Charlene Chu is the story of a woman growing up in 20th century China. Fengxian experiences the changing of China from traditional ways to modern ways. She is the first of her family to attend college and pick who she wants to marry. We see how her life is impacted by the Japanese occupation in the 1940's and the political environment changing from a Dynasty to modern Communism.
This book is also filled with Chinese tales and sayings as well as the authors wisdom gained through a long life. My favorite quote is," Now, in the final season of my life, I see that each of us is given only one chance at life. We must take advantage of every opportunity that life presents. For when we do not truly live, life loses its meaning."
This an eye opening story about one woman, but also her family, in China during the 20th century. I loved tbis memoir and think everyone shoould read it. I liked learning about aspects of Chinese history that I was not aware of before. I think everyone should read this book in order to get a glimpse into China and the life of it's people. This is a beautifully written memoir that you will want to read again and again.
February 20, 2018
I received a copy of this book for free through the Goodreads Giveaways program. This book is an excellently-written, first-hand account of the struggles and challenges of living in twentieth-century rural China. Fengxian Chu is a brave woman, and after reading her stories, I am shocked that she survived everything that was thrown her way. Her storytelling is unique, and her optimism through such difficult times is inspiring. Since the book was put together by her cousin Charlene Chu, it would have been interesting to have brief historical summaries placed in strategic locations throughout the book, to provide context for the stories that Fengxian was telling.
"Life can be a song or a whine. I prefer to sing." 460
"It is my own belief that one of the most priceless possessions one has in this world is his or her story. Each life is a drama. Some scenes are sweet and joyful, others tragic and sad. But what is most important is one's performance, his acceptance of the circumstances and setting presented to him, his reaction in the face of adversity, and, most of all, his willingness to participate. A person's story cannot be bought with money. It is full of love, care, disappointment, agony, regret, sorrow, joy. Life is a drama, and each drama a life." 463
"Life can be a song or a whine. I prefer to sing." 460
"It is my own belief that one of the most priceless possessions one has in this world is his or her story. Each life is a drama. Some scenes are sweet and joyful, others tragic and sad. But what is most important is one's performance, his acceptance of the circumstances and setting presented to him, his reaction in the face of adversity, and, most of all, his willingness to participate. A person's story cannot be bought with money. It is full of love, care, disappointment, agony, regret, sorrow, joy. Life is a drama, and each drama a life." 463
May 28, 2021
The origin of how this book came into being alone is mesmerizing: a Chinese-American woman, hunting for clues and info about her father's life in Mao's China, travels there with little to no information on where to begin: "Go to the Fengmen train station and ask for the Chu family house." After months of careful searching, criss-crossing several provinces, she eventually does exactly that, and lo and behold finds some relatives. One of them, a woman born in feudal China and inexplicably educated despite the norms against it, not only survived decades of war, the famines of the Great Leap Forward, and the persecution of the Cultural Revolution, but wrote a novel describing her 90 year ordeal, only to lock it away in a chest. She procured her pages to show her newfound American relative, who worked with her to fill in the political gaps of the story and publish it abroad. I've read much about this era of Chinese history, and this is one of the most compelling, haunting, and raw tellings, and surely one of the only autobiographical stories of a woman from that period. An absolute treasure.
January 28, 2018
A beautifully poignant story that was written for the Chu family as a historical account of the Chu family beginning in the1920's so the future generations would know and understand the Chu's as a noble family. The manuscript was kept in a Chinese bank vault for 16 years, it was written by a 92-year-old Fengxian Chu just waiting to be passed on to Fengxian's children. With the help of Charlene Chu a cousin to Fengxian, she agreed to let Charlene publish her life story with help from Charlene's father or to add historical context or to make stories more complete for the foreign readers to understand. You will enjoy the descriptions of several beautiful places and cities in China, the culture, and the old traditions, to the Communist Party and politics, the opium problem to the horrible wars that raged in China and how every man woman and child suffered. You will feel like you are right there living through it all with Fengxian as she describes her life her loves, her losses, the injustices and how she survives it all and finds peace in her life again.
January 5, 2018
Highly Praised
This book peeked my interest when I first read a short clip about it. I began reading the preface and immediately I was hooked to her and her family’s tale. I was fascinated by Fengxian Chu’s life, ancestry, and the horrible events she and her family had to endure; many times over. A beautiful, humble, and sometimes terrible life lived, but yet entirely captivating and strong. The eloquence in the writing is profound and I was deeply moved by her story. I recommend this book to everyone looking for a good read! Excellent!!
This book peeked my interest when I first read a short clip about it. I began reading the preface and immediately I was hooked to her and her family’s tale. I was fascinated by Fengxian Chu’s life, ancestry, and the horrible events she and her family had to endure; many times over. A beautiful, humble, and sometimes terrible life lived, but yet entirely captivating and strong. The eloquence in the writing is profound and I was deeply moved by her story. I recommend this book to everyone looking for a good read! Excellent!!
January 6, 2018
This is such a beautiful story that has you hooked from the first page, and so very hard to pull away from until the last page. It is very well written, it makes you feel like you are right there standing beside the characters, seeing and feeling what they feel.
I knew very little about China, past and present, other than what you read or see on TV. After reading this, I feel I know China as a country, the culture, traditions, and so much more. This story was emotional and educational I would highly recommend it!
I knew very little about China, past and present, other than what you read or see on TV. After reading this, I feel I know China as a country, the culture, traditions, and so much more. This story was emotional and educational I would highly recommend it!
January 13, 2018
A remarkable story that must be read.
This story might be that of a million people in China and for that reason alone it is important that it be read. The flavor of the Chinese people is apparent. You will gain more than an understanding of what it was like for one person to live her life in this her home country, you will learn the history of the Chinese people in the twentieth century. So much of that history was new to me, other parts I knew but had forgotten. I hope that all will enjoy this book, this life, as much as I have. I will miss it.
This story might be that of a million people in China and for that reason alone it is important that it be read. The flavor of the Chinese people is apparent. You will gain more than an understanding of what it was like for one person to live her life in this her home country, you will learn the history of the Chinese people in the twentieth century. So much of that history was new to me, other parts I knew but had forgotten. I hope that all will enjoy this book, this life, as much as I have. I will miss it.
April 21, 2024
I’ve always struggled with nonfiction and I usually stuck with true crime. But this was fascinating and an amazing story.
March 15, 2018
Captivating
I like this book. It was well written and although her life was full with hardships she is very positive throughout. I don't like President Trump and I'm concerned about what is happening to our beloved democracy in this country. This Book made me so grateful that the communist party isn't taking over today even though I'm considered property level. I love our freedoms and I admired this Chinese woman and husbands and the values they preserved throughout.
I like this book. It was well written and although her life was full with hardships she is very positive throughout. I don't like President Trump and I'm concerned about what is happening to our beloved democracy in this country. This Book made me so grateful that the communist party isn't taking over today even though I'm considered property level. I love our freedoms and I admired this Chinese woman and husbands and the values they preserved throughout.
July 27, 2022
Amazing life & story of this Chinese couple (& their families) who survived the cruel Japanese occupation during WW2, followed by the Communist take over with unimaginable cruel difficulties where they barely escaped death & starvation. They lost 1 child to starvation & 1 to suicide after tragic cruelties. Their indomitable spirits kept them going & the wife outlived her husband to write about their lives.
I highly recommend - so much can be learned!
I highly recommend - so much can be learned!
March 2, 2018
This memoir made one live through Chinese History over the past 90 years and and made one aware of the struggles that faced the people. It is a wonderful story of a family and how the hidden book was published with the help of an unknown American relative. Parts of the book were so tedious and sad that you wanted to put the book down but once it was finished, it was an outstanding read
September 16, 2018
A real life story.
An eye opener to the life in China decades ago. Thank you Fengxian Chu for writing and sharing your life with us and thank you to Charlene Chu for publishing it. What a harsh life to have to endure for a family.... So sorry this happened to your aunt and her family.
An eye opener to the life in China decades ago. Thank you Fengxian Chu for writing and sharing your life with us and thank you to Charlene Chu for publishing it. What a harsh life to have to endure for a family.... So sorry this happened to your aunt and her family.
September 22, 2020
This book was so beautifully written! Follow the main character journey through her own words made me get emotional. I got myself cheering for her, feeling sad for her, wishing she could have glimpse of happiness in the next page. I was so immersed in her narrative that I couldn't stop reading and finished the book in five days or so. Highly recommended!
June 18, 2020
A beautiful, but supremely tragic memoir of a women who loved through much of Chinas tumultuous past. Her family was wealthy and her father was progressive so she was remarkably educated for a woman of her time, regardless her life is a serious of dire events. It is a narrative that gives you a very clear understanding of how she experienced the upheaval and wars.
September 25, 2020
Incredible
Such a moving and powerful story through a lens so rarely available. It gives you a first hand view of life in rural China as the country started to become the Communist monolith that it is today. This book sucked me in from the beginning and I came to love the people and cheer for them as if they were family. Can not recommend this enough!
Such a moving and powerful story through a lens so rarely available. It gives you a first hand view of life in rural China as the country started to become the Communist monolith that it is today. This book sucked me in from the beginning and I came to love the people and cheer for them as if they were family. Can not recommend this enough!
February 26, 2018
This is an excellent autobiography of a Chinese woman who lived through the Second World War, the Chinese Civil War, and Communist rule. She and her family went through incredible hardships and she managed to live through it all. Definitely worth reading.
April 23, 2019
I enjoyed this story.
This story is exactly what I have been told and have read. I have two Chinese girls that I have raised. I met there boo grandfather who was in the KMT. He has told me so many stories that are similar to these. Wonderful book
This story is exactly what I have been told and have read. I have two Chinese girls that I have raised. I met there boo grandfather who was in the KMT. He has told me so many stories that are similar to these. Wonderful book
August 13, 2021
Second time reading - brilliant book!!!
I enjoyed this story so much, I just had to read it again. It is extremely interesting, moving, and thought-provoking, and very authentically captures both the flaws of humankind and the triumphs of its enduring spirit.
I enjoyed this story so much, I just had to read it again. It is extremely interesting, moving, and thought-provoking, and very authentically captures both the flaws of humankind and the triumphs of its enduring spirit.
December 7, 2017
Song of Praise for a Flower:
This was a profoundly moving account of an incredibly brave woman’s life before and after the tumultuous takeover of China by Mao Zedong.
This was a profoundly moving account of an incredibly brave woman’s life before and after the tumultuous takeover of China by Mao Zedong.
March 5, 2018
Oh my!
Truly a memoir of mixed emotions starting on page one. I loved this story. Reminiscent of my mother's storyline., growing up in Kiev.
Truly a memoir of mixed emotions starting on page one. I loved this story. Reminiscent of my mother's storyline., growing up in Kiev.
July 13, 2018
A must-read for curiosity of what happen during mid XX century. I am glad that this manuscript is published. It is very fortunate to not be born during war and post-war recovery time.
July 22, 2018
Interesting read
April 22, 2019
Incredible true story of a young Chinese woman’s journey from privilege to marriage to family and love and undeserved shame and the reign of Mao.
Sacrifices unbelievable, if they weren’t real.
Sacrifices unbelievable, if they weren’t real.
February 17, 2018
Fengxian Chu is now 92 years old. She was born in the 1920’s and this is the start of the book. She began to write out the story of her life in 1989 and completed it in 1992. The manuscript waited for a reading audience until Charlene Chu, a cousin from America, came to visit Fengxian in hopes of finding historical information about her family. Charlene contributed to the book, making historical corrections or filling in the blank on certain events. The book is equal parts written by Fengxian and Charlene. Fengxian is the voice and topic of the story.
Several reasons led me to give Song of Praise for a Flower an excellent rating.
•A detailed life account of the narrator, in both the logistics of living in China during the 20th century, and her thoughts and feelings.
•A brief history of Hunan Province, including the geography of the landscape. Later, Guangdong Province is less remarked on by way of a history or geography lesson; instead, it is shown in the daily life of the narrator.
•The society and culture in China is a huge overarching theme in the book. There is a lengthy list of various topics under the heading of society and culture, but these are a few: foot binding with women, prejudice between the different provinces in China, communism, family saga, relationships between husbands and wives, relationships between parents and children, family history, education, poverty, gender equality versus feudal, and opium addiction.
•A fascinating aspect of the story is communism. Fengxian Chu has (I think this is the right word) “adapted” to communism. She believes in the Communist Party despite the horrors and abuse of the early years. She feels communism has been good for women. Charlene Chu addresses this issue in brief in the “Afterword” section.
•Over a period of years various reforms took impact in China. The Communist Party pushed agricultural reforms, anti-religious reforms, education reforms, and the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. All of these are explored in the book. •Another interesting aspect of the story is the beliefs of luck, good fate or bad fate, good is rewarded and evil is punished.
•Song of Praise for a Flower shows the remarkable life of Fengxian Chu. She represents Chinese women during this period who survived (and also died) during the horrors of the Japanese threat during World War II, communism, a changing society and culture, and extreme poverty.
“Now, in the final season of my life, I see that each of us is given only one chance at life. We must take advantage of every opportunity that life presents. For when we do not truly life, life loses its meaning.” Fengxian Chu.
Complimentary copy from Charlene Chu
Several reasons led me to give Song of Praise for a Flower an excellent rating.
•A detailed life account of the narrator, in both the logistics of living in China during the 20th century, and her thoughts and feelings.
•A brief history of Hunan Province, including the geography of the landscape. Later, Guangdong Province is less remarked on by way of a history or geography lesson; instead, it is shown in the daily life of the narrator.
•The society and culture in China is a huge overarching theme in the book. There is a lengthy list of various topics under the heading of society and culture, but these are a few: foot binding with women, prejudice between the different provinces in China, communism, family saga, relationships between husbands and wives, relationships between parents and children, family history, education, poverty, gender equality versus feudal, and opium addiction.
•A fascinating aspect of the story is communism. Fengxian Chu has (I think this is the right word) “adapted” to communism. She believes in the Communist Party despite the horrors and abuse of the early years. She feels communism has been good for women. Charlene Chu addresses this issue in brief in the “Afterword” section.
•Over a period of years various reforms took impact in China. The Communist Party pushed agricultural reforms, anti-religious reforms, education reforms, and the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. All of these are explored in the book. •Another interesting aspect of the story is the beliefs of luck, good fate or bad fate, good is rewarded and evil is punished.
•Song of Praise for a Flower shows the remarkable life of Fengxian Chu. She represents Chinese women during this period who survived (and also died) during the horrors of the Japanese threat during World War II, communism, a changing society and culture, and extreme poverty.
“Now, in the final season of my life, I see that each of us is given only one chance at life. We must take advantage of every opportunity that life presents. For when we do not truly life, life loses its meaning.” Fengxian Chu.
Complimentary copy from Charlene Chu
December 22, 2017
An Important Memoir
The best memoirs are those that tell an engaging personal story in a historically important setting. Fengxian Chu tells an incredible story of her life in rural China from her childhood in the 1920s through the 1980s.
Her early life was mostly pleasant, and her father gave her the best education that he could. She married a good but somewhat weak man, and things were going well. But when the Communist Party came into power, everyone suffered greatly. Fengxian describes the many years of "reeducation", intentional brutality, deprivation, and near starvation that her family was subjected to by Communist officials, neighbors, and her husband's own family.
Throughout it all she maintains a positive outlook and tells her story with courage. The historical perspective added by her niece, Charlene Chu, fills out the story and provides perspective.
The best memoirs are those that tell an engaging personal story in a historically important setting. Fengxian Chu tells an incredible story of her life in rural China from her childhood in the 1920s through the 1980s.
Her early life was mostly pleasant, and her father gave her the best education that he could. She married a good but somewhat weak man, and things were going well. But when the Communist Party came into power, everyone suffered greatly. Fengxian describes the many years of "reeducation", intentional brutality, deprivation, and near starvation that her family was subjected to by Communist officials, neighbors, and her husband's own family.
Throughout it all she maintains a positive outlook and tells her story with courage. The historical perspective added by her niece, Charlene Chu, fills out the story and provides perspective.
April 6, 2019
The story is about a strugglesome life of a Chinese woman named Fengxian who is the author of this book. I started reading her life story and realized how difficult a person's life could be. She has written it in a descriptive manner which was too descriptive for my liking. I liked her journey but after 51 percent of the book i could'nt let myself continue. It became too much depressing for me. Maybe for some it might be interesting but it wasn't for me. Still the writing was good so it definitely deserves three stars.
November 18, 2018
Excelente libro! Las memorias de Mrs. Chu Fengxian acerca de la época en que el Partido Comunista estuvo en el poder en China son invaluables, un tesoro que nos abre los ojos acerca de los terrores e injusticias que el comunismo puede ocasionar...
Es imposible leer este libro sin conmoverse ante la dura vida de la familia Chu y los miles de millones que, como ellos, vivieron y sufrieron durante esas tres décadas.
Es imposible leer este libro sin conmoverse ante la dura vida de la familia Chu y los miles de millones que, como ellos, vivieron y sufrieron durante esas tres décadas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews