Shanghai Acrobat

Book excerpt: For readers of Mao’s Last Dancer comes the inspiring true story of a world-famous acrobat who left communist China to begin a new life in Australia. Jingjing Xue was born in China in 1947, during a period of civil war. Jingjing, left in an orphanage in Shanghai, was destined to a life of hardship before officials singled him out and enlisted him to train with the Shanghai Acrobatics School. Shanghai Acrobat tells the moving story of Jingjing’s rise from poverty to become an admired performer in China and beyond. Through the turbulent period of the Cultural Revolution, he realised the value of freedom. This is a story of hope and perseverance, of overcoming adversity and of finding a place to belong. ‘A beautifully written book ... a poignant, riveting story of determination and perseverance against the odds. This is a success story that will resonate for those from all over the world who have called Australia home.’ —Andrew Kwong, author of One Bright Moon ‘Inspiring . . . the richness of detail, along with the photographs, reveal a marvelous story of endurance and fortitude.’ —Kirkus