It’s the late 1960s, and Chairman Mao is in control of China. In spite of Mao’s many promises, life in China is very difficult, especially for people in rural communities. Although his parents are dead, Ming has somehow clung to life and survived the Great Chinese Famine. He lives in a dormitory with other young men who are on their own, and he ekes out a living working in the fields. When a group of Red Guard members are sent to ‘help’ the village understand Mao’s teachings, Ming and his friends aren’t sure what to make of them. But, eventually, Ming befriends Li, one of the newcomers.

In the dire days of Mao’s Great Leap Forward it is easy to get on the wrong side of the people in power. When Li finds himself in serious trouble due to his father’s past failings, he and Ming begin to dream of escaping to freedom by swimming to Hong Kong. Surely it can’t be that difficult to evade the guards with their dogs – and the boat patrols and the sharks?

For those of us who have always lived in the freedom and democracy of Australia, it is difficult to imagine what it must be like to live under such an oppressive regime. Thanks to Wai Chim, this book brings us insight. Freedom Swimmer is a celebration of every person who has gone to extraordinary lengths to attain freedom for themselves and their families.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble

Age Guide 11+