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Forbidden City

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1990

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Book Brief

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William Bell

Forbidden City

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

199

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Beijing, China • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Forbidden City: A Novel of Modern China by William Bell follows 17-year-old Canadian Alex Jackson who travels to Beijing with his journalist father, Ted. Initially fascinated by military history, Alex's views on heroism change when he witnesses and documents the horrific events of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Separated from his father, Alex navigates danger to help expose the truth, emerging with a new perspective on bravery and the costs of conflict. The novel includes depictions of violence and loss associated with the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Emotional

Inspirational

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,510 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

William Bell’s Forbidden City deftly combines historical insight with a gripping narrative. Reviewers praise its vivid portrayal of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and its ability to educate young readers on this crucial event. However, some find the pacing uneven and the characters occasionally underdeveloped. Overall, it's a compelling read with significant educational value.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Forbidden City?

A reader who enjoys Forbidden City by William Bell is likely interested in young adult historical fiction, particularly stories that blend personal growth with significant historical events. Comparable to fans of A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, they appreciate narratives about resilience and self-discovery during turbulent times.

4.0

1,510 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

199

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Beijing, China • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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