A review by jeep8read
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie

5.0

This book is satisfying on so many levels. It is a story of endurance: two young men are sent by the Communist government for reeducation into the rural provinces of China for two years. They endure conditions akin to slavery during their stay. It is a story of spirit: Despite their primitive punishing circumstances they look for joy in being alive, in music, and ultimately in the forbidden written word through smuggled books. There is also love, loyalty, bravery, and so much more. It's a little book but it packs a big punch.