Her Rebel Highness

January 1, 2022
Beijing, 1989: Following the death of a progressive government official, university students organize protests calling for democracy, equity, and freedom of speech. Lei, who is in her final year of secondary school, wants to join the student movement, but her personal situation complicates matters. As the privileged daughter of a wealthy, high-ranking Communist Party official, Lei feels complicit in the inequality and authoritarianism that the students are protesting; as a descendant of Wu Zetian, the only female sovereign in Chinese history, and heir to the empress's rare art collection, Lei represents the imperial decadence loathed by the Communist government and protesters alike. Lei's mother and twin sister, Jun, warn her that involvement in the demonstrations will threaten her father's ability to protect both their family and the precious artwork, but Lei is determined to play a part in shaping the future of her country, especially after she meets earnest and intelligent Delun, a boy who is one of the movement's leading members. Lei's story, briefly touched upon in Heiress Apparently (2020), is fully revealed in this fast-paced prequel suffused with political and familial tension. Details concerning Wu Zetian, the Cultural Revolution, and the 1989 protests are smoothly woven into the narrative, providing essential context. Scenes from the Tang Dynasty featuring Wu Zetian's daughter Princess Taiping are scattered throughout the novel, connecting Lei to her family history through parallel circumstances. Immersive and rousing. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 13-18)

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Starred review from August 12, 2022

Gr 9 Up-With this page-turning novel about sisters growing up in Beijing during the time of the Tiananmen Square protests, Ma delivers an endearing love story that takes place in the context of a dynamic political lesson. Lei and Jun, twin sisters whose family is among the wealthy elite in China, have been aware of their secret heirloom art collection hidden in a basement for years. When her mother reveals that Lei will inherit the responsibility of protecting this treasure, Lei is both honored and fearful. Going against her father, who is a top official in the Communist Party, Lei secretly begins participating in the student protests that have been gaining strength. She becomes connected to a group of college students, including Delun, with whom she becomes intimately involved. As the political situation takes a turn for the worse, Lei and her fellow democracy seekers face the unspeakable horror of the Chinese government's revenge. Worst of all is that Lei knows her father may have something to do with the destruction of justice. Though Ma's novel maintains a light, dramatic tone consistent with the YA genre, she provides a comprehensive, accessible political lesson about Tiananmen Square and the tragic issues affecting the Chinese people at that time. The interactions between the sisters and their friends are fast-paced and build suspense in both the personal realm and the more serious historical aspect. VERDICT A compelling novel that covers an important time in Chinese history while also giving readers an enjoyable teen romance. Recommended for all libraries.-Karin Greenberg

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