Train to Nowhere [Kindle Edition] Kay Bratt

Train to Nowhere is a novella length story of 17,000 words, approximately 52 pages* In 1967, while millions in China are unfairly persecuted because of their livelihood or heritage, others join the Cultural Revolution to pledge allegiance to a leader who is considered a legend to some and a tyrant to others. Mao's revolution is sweeping across the country, leaving many competing to show their loyalty with actions that will leave scars for decades. Even more traumatic than the destruction of art, books, and historic architecture, families are torn apart as they struggle to find a way to survive the upheaval. Ling, a sheltered and devoted daughter, is forced to join the feared Red Guards, a strategy concocted by her mother to ensure her protection. But for this scheme to work, Ling must hold her secrets close and trust no one. Her journey has only just begun when she is faced with a moment of truth that will impact the future she has unwillingly chosen on the Train to Nowhere. Editorial Reviews Review Doing what you believe to be right is not necessarily the easiest choice to make. Kay Bratt is a wonderfully, gifted storyteller with a talent for capturing the heart of humanity. This was a truly a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. ~The Book Barista From the Author If you enjoyed reading Train to Nowhere, you will love the new series titled "The Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters". Inspired by a true story and made up of full length novels, the stories maintain the same flow and feeling as readers have enjoyed in the novella, The Bridge. Books one and two of Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters is available now on Amazon. From the Inside Flap Shanghai, 1967. The platform in front of the station was packed with people, and a mood of celebration that bordered on frenzy filled the smoggy air. Conductors and security guards struggled to herd the young men and women away from the track as a large black steam locomotive came barreling in, pulling a long line of green train cars. The chug-a-chug-a sound of the locomotive almost drowned out Ling's mother as she continued her speech. At sixteen, she was already taller than her petite mother, and the way Mama spoke to her, as if she were a child, was embarrassing. "Ling, you will get on that train and if it is found out who you are, you will renounce your father and me. It is your only way out. Your papers are in your bag." Her mother pushed the bundle into Ling's arms and stepped back, forcing her to hold it or let it drop. She'd refused to tuck it into her bag on the way but now she had no choice but to take it. She looked down at the brown wrapped parcel. She knew what it held without asking--the clothing her mother had secured for her to make her look the part of her new identity. Once she stepped into the baggy olive green pants and jacket and slipped the red band on her arm, she would no longer be Ling, talented dancer and daughter of respected professors at the Shanghai High School; instead, she'd officially be a Red Guard with a new last name. Her connection to her parents would be broken, and from that moment on, her reluctant promise to obey, follow, and protect Mao would have to be fulfilled. She looked around to see if anyone was watching them. In the complete chaos of the station and the hype of the mission to see Mao speak at Tiananmen Square, they were so far safe from onlookers and suspicions. "But Mama, I may never see you and Baba again. This is ridiculous. You've never done anything wrong. You're teachers, not counter-revolutionaries!" She didn't say the other thoughts she was thinking, that her father would be ashamed that his own daughter had joined what he thought of as an out-of-control band of rebels. Her mother took another step back. "Ling, I know you don't understand, but this is the way it has to be. Your father and I have to report to the officials tomorrow to learn our fate. We may have to go to a re-education camp in the country. If that happens, I want you to be safe. Even your father would not want to subject you to what we've heard about the abuse that goes on at the camps. I will explain to him that this was the only way to protect you." From the Back Cover Train to Nowhere cover art by Brandi Doane at ebook-coverdesigns.com/ About the Author Kay Bratt is a child advocate and author of several other novels, including the bestselling series titled 'The Scavenger's Daughters'. She has actively volunteered for several nonprofit organizations, including An Orphan's Wish (AOW) and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected children. In China, she was honored with the Pride of the City award for humanitarian work. After living in China for several years, Bratt now resides on the banks of Lake Hartwell in South Carolina, with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat. I cried while reading just the first chapters. I love it when a story can bring your emotions to the characters. Train to Nowhere is a short look into what happens when the wrong people are allowed to much power. This is a powerful story about China cultural revolution. Though the author is not the best story teller I ever came across her characters are strong and detailed drawing real emotion from her readers. A young girl's mother feels there is no option left but to send her daughter, Ling, to be part of the communist youth army of Red Guards. I would of liked to see it be a little longer it lacked the length it would take to really tell a story of this time and develop the characters. But for a novelette. it did a good job.