The Palest Ink

Written by Kay Bratt

Narrated by Will Damron

“A deftly crafted and riveting read from beginning to end.” —Midwest Book Review

When two lost souls find love, their devotion may be the ultimate sacrifice.

During China’s most chaotic period in history, a revolution creates thousands of innocent victims. Fearful citizens turn against one another and anyone accused of disloyalty to Chairman Mao is at risk of being sentenced to death. When best friends Pony Boy and Benfu get caught in the chaos, they must make heart-wrenching decisions regarding family, friendship, and courage.

The prequel to the beloved Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters series, The Palest Ink depicts the trials of two young men—and the women they love—during the tumultuous years of the Cultural Revolution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Oct 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781501267130

Kay Bratt

Kay Bratt is the author of eleven full-length novels and two children’s books. Her writing became her solace and support while she navigated a tumultuous childhood, followed by a decade of abuse as an adult. After working her way through the hard years, Kay came out a survivor and a pursuer of peace—and finally found the courage to share her stories. A wise man once told her to “write what you know,” which resulted in Kay’s pet project and her bestselling series, The Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters. Learn more about Kay and her writing at www.kaybratt.com.

Reviews for The Palest Ink

[David Monterroza · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story. Narration is excellent and makes you feel like you're watching a movie through the words you listen.

[maddy campbell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my gosh this was so a sad but amazing book everyone should read it

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this book. As far as being a historical fiction piece about China during the Cultural Revolution, it was fantastic. It definitely portrayed a vivid picture of the turmoil and danger of that turbulent period of history. And there were vignettes that were incredibly shocking and moving. But I felt that the writing needed some improvement. The main characters just didn't seem believable and that made the entire story seem a little contrived for me. Still recommended if you love historic fiction and are interested in that time period of China's history.

[jkrnomad · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an amazingly beautiful, poignant exploration of China's cultural revolution as it affects 4 teenagers.

[welsh_eileen2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a "prequel" to Kay Bratt's entertaining The Scavenger's Daughters series.
This is about Benfu's life in the 60's, with his friend Pony Boy.
It's about their hopes and dreams, which do not always materialise.
A great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[janarose1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Benfu, the son of wealthy parents, is caught in a perilous position when Mao’s cultural revolution begins. Worried about his safety, his parents send him to a work camp under a fake name. Back in Shanghai, Benfu’s best friend, Pony Boy, conspires with his girlfriend to print an underground newsletter, outlining the abuses of the Red Army.This is one of the best books that I’ve read all year. It was well written and engaging. The characters were extremely realistic. I enjoyed reading about the class differences in China and how the cultural revolution influenced different people. Overall, highly recommended.

[mcdenis-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A moving fictional drama about two young men caught up in the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. Benfu an aspiring violinist is sent to a commune to do grueling work as a peasant. Pony Boy, his friend, cleans the very dirty public toilet in Shanghai to support his parents. Pony Boy is eventually shot as a traitor for collaboration on subversive newsletters. Benfu escapes from the commune and returns home but is turned off by the indifference of his parents. He returns to Wuxi and Calla Lily, who initially gave him shelter after his escape, in a very touching final scene. Both young men as they mature were helped by their relationships with their girlfriends that the author deftly explores. The harsh realities of the Red Guard era are clearly delineated.This is an honest review in return for an electronic copy.