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A Woman Soldier's Own Story: The Autobiography of Xie Bingying
This first English translation of Xie Bingying's entire autobiography (1906-2000) is the story of a rebellious child who became a soldier, a lover, a teacher-and a writer whose bravery and determination have inspired generations of readers. It provides a fascinating portrayal of a woman fighting to free herself from the constraints of ancient Chinese tradition amid the dramatic changes that shook China during the 1920s, '30s, and '40s.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 21, 2021
Preface to the New Translation
Introduction, by Barry Brissman & Lily Chia Brissman
Main Events in Xie Bingying's Life
A Note on Chinese Names
Maps
--A Woman Soldier's Own Story: The Autobiography of Xie Bingying
Illustrations
Introduction, by Barry Brissman & Lily Chia Brissman
Main Events in Xie Bingying's Life
A Note on Chinese Names
Maps
--A Woman Soldier's Own Story: The Autobiography of Xie Bingying
Illustrations
March 28, 2015
This is a fascinating autobiography about Xie Bingying who was an author, a soldier, and a revolutionary. Even though translated from Chinese, the beauty of her writing is evident. I was taken by turns by her courage, her apparent selfishness in some decisions, her ability to survive many difficult and harsh circumstances, and her ability to remain focused and mostly optimistic. It was surprising to me how very much she travelled with so little money, and yet every where she went she found people she knew and seemed to always come out on top. I read this because I am trying to understand more of East Asian history as well as how the U.S.-Asian relations led us to where we are now. It would have been interesting to learn how she arrived in the U.S. and of her life here. I may try to read some of her other works because she does have a clear style of describing life on the ground during China's political transformations. Definitely a good choice for those who want a unique perspective on life in China during the early 20th century.
May 16, 2016
An extremely interesting story! The only problem I had was that changing between sections was sometimes very abrupt, and she didn't pay much attention to narrative continuity for her personal life, especially in the latter half of the book (Oh, you're... pregnant now. Okay. And you're with this guy I can't recall you mentioning before. Right.)
January 17, 2021
quelques problèmes avec la chronologie (on ne sait jamais en quelle année on était et c'était relou) mais à part ça c'était incroyable. sa vie était incroyable.
"i must struggle to finish the work that is still undone."
"i must struggle to finish the work that is still undone."
November 30, 2022
A bit hard to follow because there's a lot of non-sequiturs and a lot of people who are not "properly" introduced to the reader (and then that was it...some of them were never mentioned again). It's also full of hardships and heartbreak. A never-ending tale of itinerant sadness, political persecution and imprisonment, and no real ending.
It's all quite interesting, though, and outstanding in regards to how the author stood up to the expectation of women in a feudal society and defied all odds to gain some freedom, at least. Left me wanting to know if she at least had SOMETHING good happened to her (and I guess it did, because she was living in San Francisco when she died).
It's all quite interesting, though, and outstanding in regards to how the author stood up to the expectation of women in a feudal society and defied all odds to gain some freedom, at least. Left me wanting to know if she at least had SOMETHING good happened to her (and I guess it did, because she was living in San Francisco when she died).
October 26, 2016
Very interesting viewpoint of a young Chinese girl/woman's years growing up in China in the early 1900's. When we think about our own hardships in life, you can hardly compare that to what Xie Bingying went through with barely a complaint. A true fighter in every sense.
I really enjoyed this book.
The author's daughter (Dr. Lily Brissman) is my young daughter's piano teacher, which made this especially fascinating to me.
I really enjoyed this book.
The author's daughter (Dr. Lily Brissman) is my young daughter's piano teacher, which made this especially fascinating to me.
July 16, 2020
Amazing story. The citizens of China have endured so much throughout time it is not surprising they will follow a leader who can give them hope for peace and prosperity. Xie gives a good picture of her effort. What a strong woman she was. I think her parents would be proud today to know how hard she worked for her country. I hope her children are.
May 14, 2021
This is one of my favorite books of the year. Xie and the translators are gifted at writing beautiful natural scenes and harrowing intimate moments.
April 21, 2023
I just wanted to know what happened to her first daughter.
November 12, 2023
Lily is my good friends neighbor. What an amazing account of her Mothers life and insight to a time and culture I never knew about. I hope to hear more of what followed.
December 4, 2016
Powerful in its sincerity. She was a true soldier...
August 17, 2022
"As I stared at the vast white waves of the rushing Yangzi River, suddenly I beheld a new vision: flow, only flow like water, and you will find your future. Even if what lies ahead are dangerous sandbanks and shoals, still flow swiftly forward like water, and you will surge upon a new life anytime you wish, and realize your dreams."
"When I was young, I could not understand why rebelling against my parents was such a bad thing. I only wanted to be educated, just like my brothers, and to escape the feudal traditions of having my feet bound and my marriage arranged. I joined the Northern Expedition and fought the warlords partly to gain my country's freedom, partly to gain my own. This book describes the first thirty-two years of my life. It is the story of a Chinese girl who wanted to choose her own destiny in a country bound up in tradition and prejudice. I began the autobiography at the suggestion of Lin Yutang, who wished to publish it in Universal World, a magazine he edited at that time. I began writing it when I was in Changsha and I completed the first volume in the spring of 1936."
"My native village was an isolated farming community far off the beaten track, surrounded by mountain peaks. From the Zi River a small stream flowed endlessly, and its waters played enchanting music all year round, tsung-tsung-tsung. When spring arrived and windows were open, you could see the deep blue heavens, green mountains, beautiful flowers and plants, and little birds flitting to and fro in the sky. Truly, it was a village of green mountains and luxuriant water, a paradise to make one drunk on its beauty."
"Suddenly, the alarm clock of that era rang: the Northern Expedition of 1926 exploded in our ears. Brave young men and women one by one discarded their books, shed their long gowns, and joined the revolution. I, who had sunk in a swamp of love, was suddenly freed."
"One night I was unable to sleep and tried to open the family gate to watch the moon, but I found that the gate was locked. I then realized that I had been put into a family prison once again. At the time I was not greatly surprised. I felt only pity for these country folks. In their stupidity they did not realize that they could lock up my skeleton but not my soul, that a heart that loves freedom can soar into the sky at any instant."
" At first he nodded as if in sympathy with me. But at last he firmly expressed his own view: "You have no love for me. But ever since I was little, I have been in love with you. I cannot leave you. I will continue to love you passionately, no matter how coldly and cruelly you treat me."
"Love cannot be forced, for She is absolutely free," I answered. "No one can force a man and woman together if they do not love each other, and no one can force them apart if they do love each other. You love me, that is your choice. I do not love you, that is my choice. I cannot compel you to stop loving me. Similarly, you cannot force me to begin loving you. So let us be sensible. Let us plan our future and dissolve the marriage contract. ....."
"When I was young, I could not understand why rebelling against my parents was such a bad thing. I only wanted to be educated, just like my brothers, and to escape the feudal traditions of having my feet bound and my marriage arranged. I joined the Northern Expedition and fought the warlords partly to gain my country's freedom, partly to gain my own. This book describes the first thirty-two years of my life. It is the story of a Chinese girl who wanted to choose her own destiny in a country bound up in tradition and prejudice. I began the autobiography at the suggestion of Lin Yutang, who wished to publish it in Universal World, a magazine he edited at that time. I began writing it when I was in Changsha and I completed the first volume in the spring of 1936."
"My native village was an isolated farming community far off the beaten track, surrounded by mountain peaks. From the Zi River a small stream flowed endlessly, and its waters played enchanting music all year round, tsung-tsung-tsung. When spring arrived and windows were open, you could see the deep blue heavens, green mountains, beautiful flowers and plants, and little birds flitting to and fro in the sky. Truly, it was a village of green mountains and luxuriant water, a paradise to make one drunk on its beauty."
"Suddenly, the alarm clock of that era rang: the Northern Expedition of 1926 exploded in our ears. Brave young men and women one by one discarded their books, shed their long gowns, and joined the revolution. I, who had sunk in a swamp of love, was suddenly freed."
"One night I was unable to sleep and tried to open the family gate to watch the moon, but I found that the gate was locked. I then realized that I had been put into a family prison once again. At the time I was not greatly surprised. I felt only pity for these country folks. In their stupidity they did not realize that they could lock up my skeleton but not my soul, that a heart that loves freedom can soar into the sky at any instant."
" At first he nodded as if in sympathy with me. But at last he firmly expressed his own view: "You have no love for me. But ever since I was little, I have been in love with you. I cannot leave you. I will continue to love you passionately, no matter how coldly and cruelly you treat me."
"Love cannot be forced, for She is absolutely free," I answered. "No one can force a man and woman together if they do not love each other, and no one can force them apart if they do love each other. You love me, that is your choice. I do not love you, that is my choice. I cannot compel you to stop loving me. Similarly, you cannot force me to begin loving you. So let us be sensible. Let us plan our future and dissolve the marriage contract. ....."
October 31, 2011
This may sound like a surprising recommendation from me, but I loved this book! You have got to read it. Ask me if you want to know why, I do not have time for a review :/
June 25, 2014
Our book club had an interesting discussion about this unique woman. I learned a lot about Chinese history, in fact, about world history.
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October 11, 2014I came to know Ms.Xie through her discourse w/ Lily and found her interviewer supremely patient.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews