A comprehensive history of the Tianamen Square Massacre from the perspective of Lun Zhang, a young sociology professor who became a powerful figure during the protests. This graphic novel was beautifully depicted and it is dense. I had to frequently pause and give myself time to absorb what I was reading. I also had only a a surface level understanding of what happened in June 1989, so I constantly stopped what I was doing and went down google rabbit holes to try and fill in the gaps of my understanding. Gut wrenching, powerful, and extensive, this graphic novel covers multiple perspectives and aspects of what happened leading up, during, and following the massacre. A great read for any one who wants to know more information about this incredibly significant movement.

My first encounter with a nonfiction graphic novel. I was very impressed: excellent story and dialogue, and evocative illustrations all make for a memorable read.

A detailed look at the events that lead up to the Tiananmen Square that most people are familiar wtih from the media accounts.

A graphic history of the Tiananmen Square Massacre that is clear and easy to follow, but lacks tension and comes up short in depicting the truly awful scene of the massacre. I would have liked a bit more depth, especially how the massacre changed is viewed in present-day China and any impact it has had on society there.

A sobering firsthand recollection of the politics surrounding and preceding the 1989 massacre at Tiananmen Square. A lot of this was new information to me and the opportunity to experience through the lens of someone who was there and heavily involved is not one to be missed.

I'm a sucker for any book set during a revolution. Stories of revolution operate on the feelings of hope, change, and determination. Through Ameziane's illustrations, Zhang tells his own story of the moments that led to the events of 1989. Through concise explanations of important politicians, organizers, and activists and detailed illustrations that seem to capture even the smallest acts that fuel the revolution, Zhang, Gombeaud, and Ameziane create an engaging and enlightening account of the iconic Tiananmen Square protests.

I read this book as I’m sitting home because of COVID-19 so I’m thinking about everything in those terms. What this book made me feel, that is also my opinion on our current situation, is that this didn’t have to happen and I feel pretty overwhelmed with how sad I am. The drawings are bleak, which fits perfectly with the tone and story of the book. It’s all so maddeningly frustrating and depressing and this book gets that across.

2.5 stars
While the illustrations are solid, neither the text nor the layout work very well in this graphic memoir. Placed against others in the genre such as Persepolis or Maus, Tiananmen 1989 feels overwritten, blocky, and cumbersome.

This was not the most exciting book, with a lot of name dropping and government exposition. That being said, I think if you were teaching Chinese history, it's an excellent resource. Very detailed and informative. The author actually experienced the protests, so his story is legit and very harrowing. I knew nothing about Tiananmen except the famous picture of the guy in front of the tanks. Now I know so much more and, overall, I really enjoyed learning about it.

Interesting first-person account of the student protests in China in the late 80's. It wouldn't necessarily be for someone who knows nothing about this part of history, as it assumes the reader has at least some knowledge of the events leading up to this, but it's great for people who want to know more, from someone who was really there.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
I got married on June 3, 1989. I woke up the next morning to . . . what happened on Tiananmen Square. I was a college student and I remember so intensely how I identified with the student protesters, and how horrifying what happened was--and yet how very different the world looked just a year later. I really enjoyed this graphic history of the protests narrated by an activist who was actually there. The events of 1989 shaped our world so much--I hope this excellent and accessible history reaches many of our young people who were not there then.

A very well done, but short, graphic novel on what happened at Tiananmen in 1989 with protests against the authoritarian Chinese regime. This graphic novel is a very easy introduction for an audience of teens and above. I do wish there had been some more background on past events that are referenced, such as the cultural revolution, that the audience may not be familiar with. In many places in America, Asian history is taught only in the broadest overview or not at all. The art and coloring are very well done and enhance the book greatly. The browns and light blues help establish a stormy mood in a story where one is familiar. The muted tones also make the bright red of the flag pop when it shows up in the story.

Overall a very good introduction to a very important part of history that continues to be cultural relevant not just to those directly effected but all peoples who value freedom and democracy over authoritarianism.

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the free graphic novel.*

"Tiananmen Diary" tells the story of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, told from the point of view of a young sociology teacher, Lun Zhang. This graphic novel comprehensively not only covers what happened in 1989 that ended in so much bloodshed, but also offered the background knowledge needed to understand its context. The Chinese youth, mostly students, were hopeful that reforms ("democrary") could change China for the better, threatening the communist system. Authorities opened fire, driving tanks through the crowd, killing the hopes of a generation while the world was watching.

Graphic novels are an adequate way to depict historical times. The medium allowes a synthesis of text and pictures, making the experience unique. I cannot say that I 'enjoyed' reading this, but it was really really well done. Giving the Chinese youth a voice is a much needed perspective in connection to the 'June Fourth Incident'.

I found it especially chilling how the graphic novel closed with the 2019 Hong Kong protests. This conflict isn't over...

5 Stars

Lun Zhang not only provides an excellent overall history of the 1989 protests and massacre, but the visual medium combined with his personal story combine well here to allow the reader to temporarily experience the protests and ensuing tragic massacre right there on the ground along with the author. As the time between Tiananmen and the present only continues to grow and the protests become increasingly buried in the past, this is definitely a work I want to see available in my library's graphic novel collection.