Colors of the Mountain

by Da Chen

Book Overview

Colors of the Mountain is a classic story of triumph over adversity, a memoir of a boyhood full of spunk, mischief, and love, and a welcome introduction to an amazing young writer. Da Chen was born in 1962, in the Year of Great Starvation. Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution engulfed millions of Chinese citizens, and the Red Guard enforced Mao's brutal communist regime. Chen's family belonged to the despised landlord class, and his father and grandfather...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385720602
• ISBN13: 9780385720601
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

This is a moving memoir.

I have no way of knowing whether this story is true or not. It certainly feels authentic to me. It is strange to me how the cultural revolution is remembered differently among several of the chinese I know. Everyone admits it was a tough time, but some are willing to let Mao off the hook in the name of order. Others see Mao as a killer. Hey, they aren't mutually exclusive views! Mao was a killer and he provided order for China. Which do you prefer, life or order?Like a recession, it is serious when you are unemployed and mild when others are out of work. If you and your family survived without being damaged by the cultural revolution you may think it wasn't all that bad. However, Da Chen's family was almost destroyed by it. It seems that all sides would consider this huge historical event a bit more deeply than it appears they do.It seems kind of silly that in a country as large as the US or the even larger China one would categorically say what one family could or could not experience based upon some generalized study of the culture. Life is full of oddities and exceptions. The facts are that under Communism there are totalitarian powers given to the party and those are excersized all the way down to individuals and often in petty, vicious and horrible ways. And to say that because it was Da Chen's grandfather that was the landlord and therefore it wouldn't have affected the author is a very odd criticism given that families, even in the west, carry stigma from outcast ancestors for generations.It would be great to see verification one way or the other, but in any case it is a powerful story of life as an outcast. It is an easy read that you won't want to put down until you finish it.

Think for yourself and READ THIS BOOK!

I'm sick of the reviewers that are China apologists that have attacked this wonderful book. If you're such defenders of that cruel government, why are you living in the United States? Da Chen's story of how he survived the cultural revolution and brought honor to his family is inspirational and TRUE! He lived it, not YOU! The ending is especially touching as to the relationship between a father and his son. Again, don't listen to the negative reviews and read this book. You won't regret it!

LOVED IT

I was amazed at the negative reviews of this marvellous book, and can only put it down to what one could call "ownership". In other words those who have studied Chinese history, or who lived there during the time of the biography, feel that their paper studies, or their memories, are the only valid ones. I am quite ready to believe this biography and revelled in every minute. Most unlike other popular biographies of China (Wild Swans etc ..)and a pleasure because of that. A young boy's memories, which may be skewed by time, but valid none the less. Read it with a fresh mind, and allow yourself to wallow in the memories.

Powerful Painting

Colors of the Mountain is the story of a small boy's struggle to understand and fit in. The story is set in China during the oppressive regime of Chairman Mao. Da Chen paints the story of his struggle during a time when his family was ostracized, because of his grandfather's success prior to the revolution. This is inspirational! Truly a pleasure to read... I couldn't put it down! Li Chen's review, I found way off the mark. I also sensed some envy and hostility. Maybe Li Chen wishes he/she were capable of communicating as effectively as Da Chen does. This book is definitely worth reading!

Colors of the Mountain shine bright

Da Chen's tale is both entertaining and inspiring. His perseverance and hope despite the chaotic times of the Cultural Revolution are uplifting. His story illustrates the power of the human spirit, and also the profound impact that kind adults (his cousin, Wen Qui, and his English teacher, Professor Wei) can have on an impressionable youngster, as he stood at various crossroads in his life. If you enjoyed reading Gus Lee's coming-of-age story, "China Boy," you'll also appreciate this book. Hopefully, the author will write a sequel to further track his adventures, from country bumpkin to prestigious Beijing Language Institute, and later, Columbia University Law School.