The Good Women of China - Xinran

It is a little while since I read this book, probably about May this year, but I think everyone should be aware of it. Xinran was a radio presenter in China. As such she received a lot of letters from listeners, and some of these indicated sad stories. Xinran not only listened to these stories but investigated them and found out the truth behind them.

This book reveals these true stories and, in doing so, reveals how women are treated as second class citizens in China. These women speak out from the pages and paint a vivid picture of life in a repressed state. Stories such as those of the mothers who lost their children during an earthquake, in many cases having to watch their sons and daughters die over days, trapped in the rubble without rescue. Women taken away from their loved ones to be used as trophies during the revolution. Women with successful sons who are left to scavenge on the streets.

Xinran has been brave enough to put these voices down for people to read and be aware. She was in a unique position and, at times, put herself and her career at risk to investigate further. But she realised that she was lucky to have a career that could be put at risk. She felt she owed these other women a duty, and that she has fulfilled.