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One Bright Moon

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One Bright Moon

By: Andrew Kwong
Narrated by: Jason Chong
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About this listen

Winner of the 2021 Michael Crouch Award, debut category of the National Biography Award: From famine to freedom, how a young boy fled Chairman Mao's China to a new life in Australia

Andrew Kwong was only seven when he witnessed his first execution. The grim scene left him sleepless, anxious and doubtful about his commitment as a revolutionary in Mao's New China. Yet he knew if he devoted himself to the Party and its Chairman he would be saved. That's what his teacher told him.

Months later, it was his own father on trial. This time the sentence was banishment to a re-education camp, not death. It left the family tainted, despised, and with few means of survival during the terrible years of persecution and famine known as the Great Leap Forward. Even after his father returned, things remained desperate. Escape seemed the only solution, and it would be 12-year-old Andrew who undertook the perilous journey first.

This is the poignant, resonant story of a young boy's awakening–to survival, education, fulfilment, and eventually to a new life of freedom.

PRAISE

"An incredibly powerful book." (Benjamin Law)

"[A] moving family saga, shot through with yearning and hard-won joy." (Fiona Capp, Sydney Morning Herald)

"This book will live on in your heart long after you've read the last page." (Vicki Laveau-Harvie, author of The Erratics)

"Heart-breaking, honest, personal, Andrew Kwong's moving journey from oppression to freedom is inspiring." (Susanne Gervay, OAM, author)

"A work of startling clarity...reminiscent of Angela's Ashes." (South China Morning Post Magazine)

©2020 Andrew Kwong (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Asia China Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Heartfelt Survival

Critic Reviews

"Deeply moving ... The unique perspective of a child ... places One Bright Moon in the vicinity of Night, Elie Wiesel's pathbreaking memoir of his early life prior to and of his time in German concentration camps." (Meenakshi Bharat, IIC Quarterly)

"A few pages into this compelling memoir proves it was written by a master storyteller." (Sharon Rundle, Australian Book Review)


"A profoundly moving and spellbinding story that perfectly illuminates the terror of the times and the irrepressible yearning for something better." (Carol Major, author and writing mentor)

All stars
Most relevant  
During the past handful of years I was able to read snippets of this epic. Amazed by the requirements of a child's life in China during the same first decade of my life when the worst thing that I had to hold me back, or hold me down was an older brother, threatening me with a handful of cow poo if I didn't let him wear my gumboots. All I can say is, how lucky we are to have this voice in our lives right now.

Worth all the time, trials and tears

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A powerful, captivating and moving story which was very well written and exceptionally narrated. Highly recommended and will not disappoint.

Absolutely brilliant

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I decided I wanted to listen to this Audiobook after hearing short excerpts from each chapter of it on ABC Radio over several nights. From those excerpts, as someone who has never been interested in reading books, I just had to try listening to the book. I wasn't let down. A true story of a Family's struggle and determination under the rule of the Communist Government of China, through undeserved persecution & famine, bringing with it decisions to separate family & improve the family's 'lot in life'.

Over 12.5 hours in length, I listened to this book over several days, between work & chores at home, whenever I could find 15 minutes or more. I was eager to take in more, like I had never been before when it comes to books. I rode the highs and lows of this family, all the time wishing things would work out well for them.

The end of the book, sadly came much to my disappointment, as I wanted it to go on and on. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true stories, of struggle, heartache, perseverance and triumph. From the first chapter to the Epilogue, there was never any doubt, that if I were to rate this book, that I would give it the highest possible score!

Wonderful and Emotional

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Remarkable story. Thank you Dr Kwong & also Jason. ( I had the privilege to live in Macau during the 80s. Able to relate with your story on so many levels. ) Highly recommend.

Brilliant.

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This book was initially chosen because of the fantastic narration from Jason Chong on a previous book I listened to. The story and has narration were such a delight and I almost feel teary now that the story has ended...happy tears. I learned so much about a culture I have not had much exposure to, coming from Africa. I am also so touched by how dedicated Andrew was in trying to reconnect with his friends. Thank you Andrew and Jason for a touching story beautifully written and read.

Delightful Find

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Very good narrator, couple of skips but overall great audiobook. One of the best biographies I've ever listened too, made me laugh and cry. Well worth the listen, highly recommend this audiobook.

One of the best biographies I've ever listened too

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What a journey. This book has the perfect narration for such a memorable narrative.

Mesmerised from the very beginning.

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Fabulous read. Well written and great narration. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the ability of the human spirit to endure adversity.

Chinese beginnings with an Australian ending

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Not only is this book beautifully written and narrated it gives the most wonderful insight to life and accurate account of China under Mao. This is a book of fortitude, strength and how a young boy’s and family’s determination battle against what seems like insurmountable odds. There is an almost zen quality to this book that comes through. There is no bitterness just gratefulness and how even with all the odds stacked against you, you can still take control of your life It’s a story of love and determination is thoroughly uplifting and I thank the Author Andrew Kwong for sharing his amazing story. Bravo

One of the best autobiographies

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