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zamreads's review against another edition
5.0
As a historical text? 5/5! For those interested in learning more about the context and significance of the massacre at Tiananmen Square, this is a great resource authored by someone who was actually there and participating in the movement. The reflection at the end also corrects some common misperceptions held by folks in the "West."
As a graphic novel/memoir? 4.25/5? There are some moments here and there that take advantage of the form and there are some moments where it's more like illustrated chunked narration. This made the narrative a little dense at times.
Excited to chew on this chronology and the ending commentary more.
As a graphic novel/memoir? 4.25/5? There are some moments here and there that take advantage of the form and there are some moments where it's more like illustrated chunked narration. This made the narrative a little dense at times.
Excited to chew on this chronology and the ending commentary more.
graypeape's review against another edition
5.0
Most people are familiar with the image of a single man facing off against a line of tanks in Tiananmen Square on June 5, 1989, one of the most iconic images of all time. I remember seeing the footage on the news at the time, but I never knew the events that led up to it. Reading this book gave me the story of the events leading up to the protests, the gatherings, the hunger strike, and the occupation of Tiananmen Square that happened from April 15, 1989, through June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government declared martial law and massacred untold numbers of its citizens. Told by Lun Zhang, a young sociology teacher at the time of the events, we get an inside view of what was going on in China at the time, what had happened leading up to these events, and how the movement gained momentum to become as large as it was. Now, I will say at this point that there is probably more reading in this book than a graphic novel reader is used to; to me, this is necessary and not a problem, but I've seen reviews that complained about a graphic novel being text-heavy, so if this bugs you, maybe pass on this one. The narration of the text can be a bit dry at times; I'm assuming this is due to Zhang's own personality, and to his being a professor, used to giving lectures. While there is a certain wistfulness to the story, I didn't feel strong emotion through the text. Having said that, it is a powerful story, and well worth the read.
#Tiananmen1989OurShatteredHopes #NetGalley
#Tiananmen1989OurShatteredHopes #NetGalley
raychelbennet's review against another edition
4.0
A comprehensive history of the Tianamen Square Massacre from the perspective of Lun Zhang, a young sociology professor who became a powerful figure during the protests. This graphic novel was beautifully depicted and it is dense. I had to frequently pause and give myself time to absorb what I was reading. I also had only a a surface level understanding of what happened in June 1989, so I constantly stopped what I was doing and went down google rabbit holes to try and fill in the gaps of my understanding. Gut wrenching, powerful, and extensive, this graphic novel covers multiple perspectives and aspects of what happened leading up, during, and following the massacre. A great read for any one who wants to know more information about this incredibly significant movement.
clairewrobel's review against another edition
2.0
I am very interested in Chinese culture and Chinese history, so I thought I would love this book. I did not. I think too much information was thrown at the reader at once, so names and dates and places blurred together so much that it was really hard to stay interested in reading the story. If this had been done more in the style of Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook it definitely would have been more successful in my opinion. I also thought the actual text was super hard to read in a physical way--too small and the all caps (while I know is common in graphic novels) were not the right font to make this easy for your eyes.
zody's review against another edition
4.0
Part memoir, part historical retelling of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, this graphic novel delves into the protests of university students against the regime. The narrator’s account gives the reader an in-depth view of what happened on the student side of the uprising. I really enjoyed the BBC input into the story to show what outsiders were reporting. While we don’t get the perspective of the Chinese government, we ultimately see their violent actions against these university students. A compelling read that tugs at the heart and makes me appreciate the freedoms I have.
theartisangeek's review against another edition
3/4/20
This was my first time actually reading about what happened at the Tiananmen Square. I can imagine that summarising such a complex history must have been incredibly hard, and although I didn't understand everything, I think this comic did a great job. Would definitely recommend it.
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This was my first time actually reading about what happened at the Tiananmen Square. I can imagine that summarising such a complex history must have been incredibly hard, and although I didn't understand everything, I think this comic did a great job. Would definitely recommend it.
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website