TIANANMEN SQUARE

Jocelyn Tam's narration of this stirring autobiographical novel offers an evocative portrayal of Lai Wen's coming of age in Beijing at the time of the Tiananmen Square uprising. Tam brings to life the dynamics within Lai's family, in particular her grandmother's tough love and her father's silent struggles, and illuminates Lai's gradual awakening to the political and social realities around her. Listeners will be impressed by Tam's artistic performance of the influence of a wise bookseller and the burgeoning student protests. The emotional weight of the 1989 events is effectively communicated through Tam's narration, making the listener feel connected to Lai's story and its larger historical context. A compelling listening experience conveys both personal and political transformations. M.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2024]