75 pages • 2 hours read
William BellForbidden City
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1990A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Forbidden City: A Novel of Modern China by William Bell follows 17-year-old Canadian Alex Jackson who travels to Beijing with his journalist father, Ted. Initially fascinated by military history, Alex's views on heroism change when he witnesses and documents the horrific events of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Separated from his father, Alex navigates danger to help expose the truth, emerging with a new perspective on bravery and the costs of conflict. The novel includes depictions of violence and loss associated with the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
William Bell’s Forbidden City deftly combines historical insight with a gripping narrative. Reviewers praise its vivid portrayal of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and its ability to educate young readers on this crucial event. However, some find the pacing uneven and the characters occasionally underdeveloped. Overall, it's a compelling read with significant educational value.
Who Should Read Forbidden City?
A reader who enjoys Forbidden City by William Bell is likely interested in young adult historical fiction, particularly stories that blend personal growth with significant historical events. Comparable to fans of A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, they appreciate narratives about resilience and self-discovery during turbulent times.