"The autobiography of Xie Bingying (1906-2000) provides a portrayal of a woman fighting to free herself from the constraints of ancient Chinese tradition amid the dramatic changes that shook China during the 1920s and 1930s.".

"Her attempts to become educated, her success in tricking her way into military school, and her struggles to escape from an arranged marriage reveal her persevering and unconventional character and hint at the prominence she was to attain as a feminist and literary figure in China." "Xie Bingying's autobiography is the story of a rebellious child who became a soldier, a lover, a teacher - and a writer whose bravery and determination have inspired generations of readers."--BOOK JACKET.