Grace in China: An American Woman Beyond the Great Wall, 1934-1974

What a wonderful opportunity we've been given here. We may never get to see our very own lives as we experience 'life' written in newspapers or in history books yet in this book we read not 'fiction' although the book is equally captivating as many novels often hope to be because along with Grace, an American, and her children we, too, can almost participate in their own experiences living deep inside China between 1934 and 1974. It's all here. And, yes, I agree with another reviewer: "The [original] small press editor of GRACE IN CHINA, Randall Williams of Black Belt Press in Montgomery, Ala., deserves praise for recognizing an important, memorable book that deserves both critical and popular acclaim. Since a small independent press doesn't have the resources for extensive publicity, "word of mouth" will have to spread the news." It is a rare glimpse into what few Americans saw for themselves after 1949, especially during China's Cultural Revolution. (More reviews are on the hardcover's site.)

This is the very readable interesting story of Grace Divine, an aspiring opera student from Chatanooga, Tennessee, who married a Chinese engineering student, moved to China in the 1930's and raised a family. It is the story of the Japanese occupation, the civil war in the 1940's, the political changes of the 1950's, the Great Leap Forward, tne Cultural revolution amd various and sundry changes in China during the 40 years from 1934 to 1974. All told in the most interesting and contiguous manner. The book is historically interesting - telling how a courageous woman raised her family through it all. An inspiring true story which should be read not only for inspiration and enjoyment, but can also be used as a reference book for those who want to know more about China during this period.