Book Review - The Palest Ink by Kay Bratt

**May Contain Spoilers** 

In 1966 in Shanghai, a young boy has a promising future ahead of him. He is a promising violinist from a prominent intellectual family. In addition, he has an arranged marriage with a woman from an equally wealthy upbringing. However, his best friend Pony Boy is less fortunate. Pony Boy is from a lower class family destined for a life of poverty.

As many people know, faith and the future can be unpredictable. In the midst of the China's Cultural Revolution -- life is about to be turned upside down. Families turn against each other, neighbors spy on one and another and teachers are beaten to death by their own students. In hopes, to expose Chairman Mao's Red Guard they concoct a way to document some of the worst behaviors in human history. Through Benfu and Pony Boy's struggle, they come across dark moments of human weakness while trying to find a way to be compassionate and bring light into their dark world. As the prequel to the Tales of Scavenger's Daughter series, the book is filled with hope, love, understanding, friendship, sadness, family, courage, and compassion.

I never read any of books from the Tales of Scavenger's Daughter series but the book would serve as a good introduction to the author's writing and to the series.  The story leaves you rooting for the main characters (and their friendship) and in hopes they are able to make out of the struggle better people.  The book was easy and a good read; it left me wanting to read more from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a copy of an uncorrected ebook for my honest opinion --- this had no impact on my review and feedback**