It took some time to get into, but I really appreciated learning about Tienanmen Revolt through the author's eyes. ( )

A substantial novel (600+ pages) following on life in China; as the back page review says, it's "an extraordinary insight into modern China." I picked it up from the sale trolley in the library, but have barely glanced at it since. I really must give it a go

I started in this book and only stopped because I needed to sleep, to eat and to work. It captivated me entirely. I wanted to keep reading and know more about what happens next. The horrifying story about the history of China and the student protests on the Tienanmen Square will intrigue you. The writer knows how to keep your interest. I understand why this book is forbidden by the Chinese government. And that detail alone is enough to convince you to read it. Do not let the number of pages scare you (800+), because I'm not an easy reader, but I read this entire book in a little over a week time. Compliments to the writer for revealing a hidden history of China. ( )

It took a lot of perseverance (and a long break halfway through) to get through this book, but I think it was worth it in the end. Paints a horrifying picture of Communist China before and after Tienanmen Square. ( )

A fascinating portrait of China and its recent history. Beijing Coma is told through the eyes of Dai Wei, a student protester who falls into a coma after the Tienanmen Square protest of 1989. Dai Wei's recounting of the energy of the student protesters brings their movement to life and details of life in China highlight the practices the students were fighting against. However, one of the most interesting things about this novel is the depiction of the changes China experienced after the Tienanmen Square protest. Despite his coma, Dai Wei hears of the changes, of the new kinds of jobs, of new technologies, and the transformation of China he grew up in. I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in China today. ( )