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Daughter of China
Tapping into her vast reservoir of knowledge about the persecuted church, author Hope Flinchbaugh has crafted a spellbinding first novel set in modern China. Nineteen-year-old Mai Lin has two serious handicaps in Chinese society-being born a girl, and worse, choosing to become a Christian. But she dreams of attending Shanghai University..The poignant, uplifting story that follows is a triumph of love and courage and a tribute to all who stand for their faith in the face of great odds.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 29, 2008
I'm the author of this book and it cheered me considerably to read your reviews! I was warmed by Mary's comments who stumbled onto the book by accident yet enjoyed its story. And to the friend who wasn't sure if it is based on true stories, I assure you that there was a nineteen-year-old Christian girl in China who was incarcerated for passing out "seditious literature" in her high school. After being tortured for some time, she began to scrub the floors of inmates, bringing them the hope of eternity with Jesus. I hope you'll check out my latest novel, I'll Cross the River, at www.northkoreafreedom.wetpaint.com People tell me that it took one to three days to read and they couldn't put it down. I hope you hear God's heart as you read.
Hope Flinchbaugh
Hope Flinchbaugh
August 24, 2012
I thought there was some great potential with the plot... This is a book about a Christian girl living in communist China in the 90's. However, I found the narration really disjointed and way too Americanized. It sounded a lot like "and then I did this... and then I said this..." where there could have been a lot of beauty written in. The entire story sounded like a white girl trying (and failing) to sound Chinese. I was also bothered by just preachy the entire thing felt. I don't mind strong Christianity and faith in a story. I'm pretty religious myself. However, this was just so... evangelical. I don't know. It just didn't work for me. I understand the story is based on actual experiences of Chinese Christians, and perhaps I would do better to read some biographies or memoirs rather than a fictional story.
May 14, 2013
“We can strip the knight of his armor, to reveal that he looks exactly like us, or we can try on the armor ourselves to experience how it feels. Fiction provides an ideal opportunity to try on the armor.” C.S. Lewis
Nineteen year old Mei-lin, the fictional hero of Daughter of China, lives in a modern-day rural village. She faces fierce persecution and demanding personal choices as her story unfolds. The author, C. Hope Flinchbaugh, based her novel on true testimonies of persecuted Christians in China and that authenticity shines out of every page.
Although it was published ten years ago (Bethany House, 2002), Daughter of China is not just a banner waved and then furled; it still speaks profoundly to us about religious persecution and the repression of the one child policy in China. Mei-lin pursues her beliefs in a government system that does not offer religious freedom. Her heroism is striking due to her youth; all her life is before her, and yet she continually risks her safety to follow her conscience.
My pet name for this type of fiction is a “hero book”. We, as Americans, will most likely never travel in the flesh to these places, nor live in the time periods of hero books set in the past. It is vitally important that we open our eyes and our hearts through stories like this so that we are stretched and move beyond our current culture and lifestyle. This type of vicarious living is definitely not escapism. This novel made me ask myself: “What would I do if it were me in that time and place?” I am convinced that we, as readers, can try on C.S. Lewis’ “armor” through any genre of fiction or non-fiction as long as we have the “knight”!
Thankfully there is a sequel, because Mei-lin was a heroine I didn’t want to be parted from. Across the China Sky (Bethany House, 2006) chronicles Mei-lin’s continued struggle in her native China. Hope Flinchbaugh’s third novel, I’ll Cross the River (Destiny Image, 2008), brings the reader into current day North Korea and the plight of those locked into the suffering created by a corrupt communist system. I have the honor of knowing Hope Flinchbaugh personally as a member of my local church. She is a hero in her own right telling t,he world of the persecution of our international brothers and sisters through her writing and publishing.
http://www.historymakerpublishing.com
Nineteen year old Mei-lin, the fictional hero of Daughter of China, lives in a modern-day rural village. She faces fierce persecution and demanding personal choices as her story unfolds. The author, C. Hope Flinchbaugh, based her novel on true testimonies of persecuted Christians in China and that authenticity shines out of every page.
Although it was published ten years ago (Bethany House, 2002), Daughter of China is not just a banner waved and then furled; it still speaks profoundly to us about religious persecution and the repression of the one child policy in China. Mei-lin pursues her beliefs in a government system that does not offer religious freedom. Her heroism is striking due to her youth; all her life is before her, and yet she continually risks her safety to follow her conscience.
My pet name for this type of fiction is a “hero book”. We, as Americans, will most likely never travel in the flesh to these places, nor live in the time periods of hero books set in the past. It is vitally important that we open our eyes and our hearts through stories like this so that we are stretched and move beyond our current culture and lifestyle. This type of vicarious living is definitely not escapism. This novel made me ask myself: “What would I do if it were me in that time and place?” I am convinced that we, as readers, can try on C.S. Lewis’ “armor” through any genre of fiction or non-fiction as long as we have the “knight”!
Thankfully there is a sequel, because Mei-lin was a heroine I didn’t want to be parted from. Across the China Sky (Bethany House, 2006) chronicles Mei-lin’s continued struggle in her native China. Hope Flinchbaugh’s third novel, I’ll Cross the River (Destiny Image, 2008), brings the reader into current day North Korea and the plight of those locked into the suffering created by a corrupt communist system. I have the honor of knowing Hope Flinchbaugh personally as a member of my local church. She is a hero in her own right telling t,he world of the persecution of our international brothers and sisters through her writing and publishing.
http://www.historymakerpublishing.com
June 27, 2009
This is a must read for all Christians who are perhaps a bit too comfy in their way of life. I will never again take for granted the gift that America has given me, in that I can read my bible where ever I want, and that I can have multiple copies. I don't have to worry about being thrown into prison for chosing Christ.
This was a real eye opener for me on just how challenging it is to be a Christian in China. I also learned how much God gives a person who is in seemingly hopeless circumstances true hope.
I loved this book, this is the first in a series. Was a great book club book. This is a book that you will want to give away to all of your friends!
This was a real eye opener for me on just how challenging it is to be a Christian in China. I also learned how much God gives a person who is in seemingly hopeless circumstances true hope.
I loved this book, this is the first in a series. Was a great book club book. This is a book that you will want to give away to all of your friends!
June 23, 2019
This book is, in brief, about the persecuted church in China, but it also deals with the plight of many orphans, especially as caused by the problem of people preferring that their one child be a son rather than a daughter.
The writing style was not bad, but not great either. As I started reading it, I wonder, too, how much of it is true to culture and how much was a westerner writing what they thought the culture would be like. Yet there were parts that moved me to tears, like the house church worshiping in near silence and the description of the orphanage.
In the end, I would say I really liked the book in spite of its short-c0mings! I think we need to remember that this is one story. Life is most likely like this for many Chinese Christians. For others it is probably nothing like this. The author makes it clear that not every orphanage is like the ones she described; some do the very best they can for the children in their care. As long as we understand to not make sweeping generalizations, I think the story is good. It's certainly a beautiful story of how persecution can cause the church to grow. Perhaps our prayer should be for strength in persecution, not for a removal of persecution?
The writing style was not bad, but not great either. As I started reading it, I wonder, too, how much of it is true to culture and how much was a westerner writing what they thought the culture would be like. Yet there were parts that moved me to tears, like the house church worshiping in near silence and the description of the orphanage.
In the end, I would say I really liked the book in spite of its short-c0mings! I think we need to remember that this is one story. Life is most likely like this for many Chinese Christians. For others it is probably nothing like this. The author makes it clear that not every orphanage is like the ones she described; some do the very best they can for the children in their care. As long as we understand to not make sweeping generalizations, I think the story is good. It's certainly a beautiful story of how persecution can cause the church to grow. Perhaps our prayer should be for strength in persecution, not for a removal of persecution?
July 16, 2019
Flinchbaugh’s well researched book details the difficulties of being female and of being Christian in Communist China. It also details the faithfulness of a loving God. As readers follow the events of Kwan Mei Lin’s life, they will be amazed at the courage of the pastors and members of China’s house churches, devastated by the torture of those imprisoned for their faith, heartbroken by the conditions in some of the country’s orphanages, and encouraged by God’s faithfulness through it all. The acceptance of life’s hardships associated with being a Christian in China and the perseverance shown by those claiming Jesus as Savior there, is so different that the prosperity message often preached in our own country. These brothers and sisters are models for handling what seems to be on the horizon for Christians in the United States. Daughter of China is also an inspiration to those in our country who have the resources for providing for orphans, abandoned children, and the persecuted.
May 3, 2018
Somehow I had high hopes for this book probably because I didn’t know what I was getting into.
I felt this book could have been written better. The storyline itself was not bad.
However it was very preachy had a lot of scripture quotes and for me it was just too much and after 60% I just wanted to get done with it.
I also felt it was not very believable that people convert to Christianity in 5 min when Christians are being so harshly persecuted.
And I also thought the character development was rather flat.
Would I recommend it?
If you have no idea about communism and persecution it is a good book to get some insight.
Is the topic important and could use some time in the public eye - sure.
So I guess everyone needs to decide for themselves.
I felt this book could have been written better. The storyline itself was not bad.
However it was very preachy had a lot of scripture quotes and for me it was just too much and after 60% I just wanted to get done with it.
I also felt it was not very believable that people convert to Christianity in 5 min when Christians are being so harshly persecuted.
And I also thought the character development was rather flat.
Would I recommend it?
If you have no idea about communism and persecution it is a good book to get some insight.
Is the topic important and could use some time in the public eye - sure.
So I guess everyone needs to decide for themselves.
February 24, 2018
Absolutely beautiful! Flinchbaugh is an amazing author who has delivered such a moving story which inspires a great deal of hope and steers us towards a place of greater faith in ‘the One who made the earth and the skies’. 💛
May 23, 2017
Inspirational
December 30, 2018
I still remember the way this book made me feel reading it ten years ago. It burdened my heart for China and made me wake up to the reality of Christian martyrdom in today's world.
July 4, 2020
An excellent book!
October 13, 2020
This is one the best books I have ever read!
June 6, 2023
Great book!!! Not typical feel good Christian story, but about true life
October 27, 2023
A gripping tale of the realities of having faith in Communist China
September 4, 2007
Mai Lin tells her story, as the daughter of a Christian in China she grew up knowing what it is like to be persecuted. The house church that she is a part of is raided and the pastor carted off to jail. Mai Lin comforts her best friend, the son of the pastor, and they make tentative plans for a future together. But first Mai Lin wants to fulfill her dreams of going to university. But her outspokeness about her faith gets her into trouble and her dreams may never have a chance of coming true.[return]This story was gripping for the dramatic way it portrays the courage of those standing up for their faith in dismal circumstances. The orphanage scenes are particularly graphic and may disturb some readers--in ways we need to be disturbed. Still, the story seemed a bit contrived and predictable in places.
April 22, 2015
I am so glad that I read this book. It's amazing an eye opener and in parts ever so sad. We can send men/women to the moon yet we can't seem to care for our orphans much better now than our fathers before us. It is real and happening today. It is sad that with all of our technology we could find a way to care of the children in our orphanages any better than we do.
January 28, 2013
This was good commercial fiction. Flinchbaugh researched her topics well! Kwan Mei Lin's story was full of rich detail of a young, female evangelist living in China. The story was never particularly gripping because we can feel Mei Lin's faith and know she will be okay. Of course, her faith could have extended even through her death...so there is some suspense. Basically, I enjoyed learning about the Christians in China, and about the persecuted church. I've been researching proper actions for Christians under fire, and this book gave me some considerations. This was the biggest reason I kept reading.
I would give this story a 3.6-3.7, but I rounded up because the subject matter is close to my heart.
I would give this story a 3.6-3.7, but I rounded up because the subject matter is close to my heart.
November 14, 2007
I read this book by mistake when assigned to read another book called "Wild Swans - Three Daughters of China," but I liked it anyway. It is a dramatization of America's view of the plight of Chinese christians. It definately had some Christian propaganda, however I'm not against that. It would be nice to hear from someone who has really been through the conversion experience in China, because it would resolve any doubts I have as to the veracity of the experiences and viewpoints told. This story is told second hand, by an American which always adds an element of, "what REALLY happened?" in my mind.
January 10, 2013
Wow all I can say is Wow!! What a wonderful uplifting, heart warming book. I wasn't expecting much from this book to be honest. I thought it would be more of suffering the Chinese females go through due to the 1 child law but that is not what this book is really about. It's about a young female who trusts in God and Jesus and doesn't falter in her faith even though Christians where deemed evil in China. If you want an adventure that will lift your spirits high and renew your faith in the Lord then this is a must read!
July 10, 2012
I just started reading this book. the only thing that i believe it holds over the others is that it goes through the repetitive historical facts quite quickly, and is about love during the time of communism. i havent gotten to the third segment yet, but i think that it will be good. we’ll see. i find it interesting that she thanked Anchee Min (and furthermore, to jump around, that amy tan(which ive never read, praised wild swans) in her foreword. weird, huh?
August 16, 2009
I liked the book over all, but parts of it were way too preachy for my personal taste--the notion that some people seem to have that a soon as people here of Jesus they are ready to jump on board is just not what I have experienced. It was interesting to hear what the authors perspectives were on the human rights issues in China, though, and I plan to research this some more now.
October 20, 2010
I LOVED this book. It was so real to me and really made me think about what I would do if I were in the same situation and if I would have the faith and courage that Mai Lin had. A real opener to the fact that people are actually going though similar persecution all over the world. It really strengthened my faith and drew me closer to God. A truly AMAZING story.
September 4, 2012
This is the second read for me and was moved just as much this time around. What a reminder of how "easy" we have it as Christians in America compared to communist countries like China. The story is based on true accounts of Christians that will go to any lengths to worship the Lord, read His word and share the Gospel to the unsaved...even to martyrdom.
September 30, 2016
Wonderful story
I enjoyed reading this story very much. It tells about the struggle people have in other parts of the world in worshipping Christ and practicing their beliefs. They couldn't worship as they wanted to and we're punished for it. The story helps us understand the rules about only having one child in China and the consequences of having a baby girl.
I enjoyed reading this story very much. It tells about the struggle people have in other parts of the world in worshipping Christ and practicing their beliefs. They couldn't worship as they wanted to and we're punished for it. The story helps us understand the rules about only having one child in China and the consequences of having a baby girl.
May 25, 2008
i enjoyed this. It was a quick read and I was able to feel like I was the character in the book. It is a work of fiction but it brought to light a lot of what seemed to be factual life of living in communist china and trying to worship what you believe and not being allowed to.
June 13, 2012
Although not based on a real person it could have definitely been a true story. Even in this day and age Christians are being persecuted although we may not openly see this. Every so often stories like this one makes it out. A great read.
February 14, 2008
This was a good book, opened my eyes to a lot of things going on that I was not fully aware of.
August 12, 2008
Wonderful book about a christian in China and the underground church. DEFINATE READ!!!
October 19, 2008
I couldn't put this book down. I found the author to be very easy to read. It was inspiring and heart wrenching. I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2010
Menginspirasi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews