The Cry of the Silkworm

by Shi Naseer

Growing up in 1990s China, in a village where failure to observe the rigidly enforced one-child policy is deemed tantamount to a crime, Chen Di must fight to get the education she craves in a world in which boys are prioritized. Following her mother's untimely death, 16-year-old Chen Di's thirst for vengeance against those she holds responsible brings about her transformation from a gutsy, marginalized child into an aikido-practicing young woman who braves Shanghai.

A startling illumination of the ripple effect of the authoritarian regime's policies still being felt today, this moving debut is perfect for fans of The Beekeeper of Aleppo and A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Paperback

Reviews

[Jo Sparkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A labour of love for so many reasons. Tough at times knowing the truth behind the story but the facts will be the story of so many.
Worth reading and has made me want to find out more about China and the family planning policies that I have been so ignorant about.