Bao Bao's Odyssey: From Mao's Shanghai to Capitalist Hong Kong

by Paul Ting

In BAO BAO'S FROM MAO'S SHANGHAI TO CAPITALIST HONG KONG, mischievous adolescent Song Bao Bao grows up devoted to his country under the stringent eyes of the Communist party. Precocious for his age, he has strong innate curiosity and discovers many truths that others may not wish him to know. Conscientiously fulfilling his daytime duties to the Party, the boy also leads a busy nightlife. He follows Communist doctrine obediently and enthusiastically to pursue his dream of becoming a Nobel Prize winner. When required to engage in such activities, he writes the largest number of Da Zi Baos (Big Character Posters) in the least amount of time, makes the most impressive paper heart in class, energetically kills sparrows, and assumes the role of leader in group discussions. His enthusiasm is partly based on his assumption that a bright future lies ahead of him. Then, one day he realises that, because of his background, he is and always will be ineligible to attend a good university in his home country. Bao Bao is devastated. All his dreams are shattered. There is no future ahead of him. Then, mustering all his courage, he racks his brains to find a way out of this impasse. Finally he makes a fateful decision which will change his life forever.

296 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2012