In the turmoil of China's Cultural Revolution, young Lianlian's life is shattered by family violence, public shame, and crushing poverty. 

Raised by a resilient but scarred mother (Jun), shadowed by an abusive father (Bin-Kai), and anchored by a sister (Shanshan), Lianlian learns to survive in a world of hardship. When the political climate shifts, she discovers that her mind is her only true weapon. 

Fueled by fierce determination and the quiet support of her mother, Lianlian battles for a spot at a top university, seeing it as her one true path to freedom, leading her to fight for a future she can finally call her own.

This book is a continuation of Mother of Red Mountains and covers the family's life between 1966-1980. It is a standalone book and does not depend on your reading Mother of Red Mountains.

To be published 2025.08.30