What a fantastically engaging memoir of a remarkable life that began in 1970's coastal China and led to Xiaolu settling in London as a writer.
I loved everything about this book - I felt so deeply for Xialou and her family (the relationship she had with her father was so rawly depicted and yet beautiful) and was always intrigued to find out what happened next to this strong and inquisitive woman, unapologetically leading her life as she pleases.
I will be picking up more from this author for sure!

This totally absorbing and compelling memoir is an object lesson in how to write autobiography; clear, concise, honest, and with a narrative pace that keeps the reader eager to continue with the story. And it’s a remarkable life story, from poor beginnings in a remote fishing village in China to film-school in Beijing and a successful career in Britain. Thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating.

Library thing http://www.librarything.com/work/18959381

Litsy (posting as charl08)

A harsh and electric autobiography/Chinese family history that deepened my appreciation of Xiaolu Guo's excellent novels. Highly recommend.