Last Boat Out of Shanghai

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

By: Helen Zia

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

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

Critic reviews

“The dramatic story of four young people who were among the thousands fleeing China after 1949's Communist revolution. Eye-opening.” (People)

Good history!

This book sheds light on the diaspora from Shanghai during the 20th Century. It is written in a journalistic style, which is flat. Nevertheless, it contains lots of interesting information. Shanghai is one of the great cities of the world.

Amazing!

A very heartfelt and detailed journey through history by those who lived it. I loved it!

untold stories told through 4 "typical" viewpoints

Such timely stories, particularly right now as another humanitarian crisis confronts us. The stories of real people and their struggles during war, revolution, deprivation and survival ... a reminder that behind every headline there are thousands, millions or individual stories.

Highly Recommended.

Memorable! The stories of the leading characters are absolutely enthralling. Illuminating, fine-grained detail, deeply researched. And the narrator is superb!

Amazing book

I rarely find a book so engaging. I don’t know as much as I should about WWII in the pacific or Asian history. This book made it easy for me to learn and see how hard life has been for some very strong people and life for refugees.

Very imaginative format for a history

This book was incredibly interesting and informative. Using the individual paths of 5 different people through the same time period gave onsite into an entire culture.

Everyone should know

Everyone should expose themselves to the stories of refugees, no matter if their background is wealth, or poverty, just to know that there are so many whose life experiences nothing like our own.

History Must be Our Teacher

Writing books like this is essential. People reading books like this in order to gain greater understanding and perspective is even more important. I'm so grateful that one of my family members recommended this book to me. After reading, I gained deeper insight and context into my family history which was limited and from a singular perspective. Even though this occurred in China back in the 1940/50's we have much to learn from this story here in the US today.

a story all Americans should read

WIth the many problems we have in USA today. We are still blessed to have a free press and many people who still care about truth, character and caring about your neighbor.

Prejudice, Sacrifice, Courage & Resilience of Migrants & Immigrants

True life stories over generations.
An individual’s survival of national policy entrenched in prejudice, tradition, national upheaval & war is often a matter of luck.
Despite courage, patience & flexibility, a survivor may be circumvented from their own goals, yet may unknowingly pave the way for those who come after them.
This book shows how, if given the slimmest of chances, Immigrants may & do contribute their best ideas to the betterment of their families, communities, adopted nations & the World.