Chinese history is one of my favorite topics. Since four of my children were born in China, I love reading books that help me to understand how their ancient country has evolved and the culture surrounding it. Sometimes a work of fiction does a excellent job of making the historical era come to life.
As a huge fan of Kay Bratt's series "The Scavenger's Daughters," I was immediately drawn to this prequel. It picks up with Benfu as a young man pursuing his studies and attempting to master the violin; and goes on to reveal the background of Baba Benfu and how he became who he is. I've grown to love this man throughout the series and enjoyed his story immensely. I also fell in love with his best friend, Pony Boy who is introduced in this book.
While a fictional work, I enjoyed exploring the historically accurate events surrounding the Chinese Cultural Revolution and what life may have been like living under the Red Guard. The difference in the classes of people came to life as I read of Benfu's scholarly family and Pony Boy's working class family.
Bratt weaves her tale magnificently, and I always admire an author who has a multitude of characters that she stays true to throughout a series. It seems as though some authors forget from one book to another just what they said about the character in a previous book. Not so with Kay Bratt.
If you have not read the previous books in the series, no worries. Each one is worthy to stand alone. I may have lost a little sleep in my anxiousness to finish this story. It was a page turner from beginning to end.
** I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
