Last Boat Out of Shanghai cover art

Last Boat Out of Shanghai

The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution

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Last Boat Out of Shanghai

By: Helen Zia
Narrated by: Nancy Wu
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About this listen

The dramatic real-life stories of four young people caught up in the mass exodus of Shanghai in the wake of China's 1949 Communist revolution.

Shanghai has historically been China's jewel; its richest, most modern, and westernized city. The bustling metropolis was home to sophisticated intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and a thriving middle class when Mao's proletarian revolution emerged victorious from the long civil war. Terrified of the horrors the Communists would wreak upon their lives, citizens of Shanghai who could afford to fled in every direction.

Benny, who as a teenager became the unwilling heir to his father's dark wartime legacy, must decide either to escape to Hong Kong or navigate the intricacies of a newly Communist China. The resolute Annuo, forced to flee her home with her father, a defeated Nationalist official, becomes an unwelcome exile in Taiwan. The financially strapped Ho fights deportation from the US in order to continue his studies while his family struggles at home. And Bing, given away by her poor parents, faces the prospect of a new life among strangers in America. The lives of these men and women are marvelously portrayed, revealing the dignity and triumph of personal survival.

©2019 Helen Zia (P)2019 Tantor 20th Century Asia China Emigration & Immigration Modern Social Sciences War Imperialism Chinese Revolution

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Critic reviews

“The dramatic story of four young people who were among the thousands fleeing China after 1949's Communist revolution. Eye-opening.” (People)
All stars
Most relevant
I liked the story, but the change in narrator from human to automated voice was confusing

Narration

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Fantastic insight into the mass immigration out of Shanghai, the stories told differed so much and kept the book incredibly interesting. Such a difficult book to write and it was captured so well, giving each individual dignity and heroism. Great narration. Nothing to fault, other than I wish I could hear more.

Captivating stories. Heart wrenching and beautiful.

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I loved this book. The stories of each of the people whose lives were impacted by the upheavals of the Chinese people in the Twentieth Century are told with empathy and compassion and I am so pleased that I took the gamble to get this book. Well written and well narrated. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Wonderful stories of the human spirit

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I was transported to another era and stood shoulder to shoulder with the characters in this amazing account of history. I thank the author Helen Zia for the detailed accounts and time spent collating the narratives. I appreciate the learning I’ve had on the history told on all of the countries depicted and can only express my empathy for people’s struggles and pride for the bravery and resilience shown. Expressed thanks to the narrator Nancy Wu, for the expertly read narration. From beginning to end, the words held me captive.

Thank you so much for this book. I would definitely recommend it!!

Beautifully Written Amazing Account of History

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What an inspiring book that illustrates the resilience of the human spirit in the worst of circumstances! It has the pace of good novel. one cares about the protagonists and one is hungry throughout to know what happened next. it's also beautifully read. Congratulations to the author and the reader - l loved every minute of it.

A brilliant book!

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Loved listening to this book, in particular the diverse backgrounds of the chosen characters reflecting different segments of people affected by this period of complex history. This is the best kind of history lesson one can hope for which is told beautifully and entertainingly. Highly recommended!

Worth every minute of listening

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