Dragon Fighter by Rebiya Kadeer and Alexandra Cavelius | Teen Ink

Dragon Fighter by Rebiya Kadeer and Alexandra Cavelius

April 8, 2015
By MintJT BRONZE, Glenview, Illinois
MintJT BRONZE, Glenview, Illinois
2 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Most people have heard of the conflict between Tibet and China, the desire for separation on Tibet’s part. However, many have never heard of the Uyghurs, an equally oppressed group with less media coverage. Fortunately, the cause has recently garnered more attention. This is partially due to Rebiya Kadeer, the author of Dragon Fighter, and spokesperson for the Uyghurs in China.

 

Dragon Fighter is a powerful and moving story about Rebiya Kadeer’s powerful determination to free herself, and her people as well. All throughout the memoir, she exhibits impressive willpower by denying wealth, fortune, and power to liberate her people from China. Although she is constantly tormented by the Chinese government throughout the entirety of the biography, she manages to prevail and even survive many close encounters with death.


One of the most impressive aspects to the memoir is her sheer dedication and passion for the cause, it radiates through every word. An interesting part is seeing the darker side of China. Everyone understands that China is not exactly known for its human rights; however, the way China is portrayed in this biography through its actions and outright corruption, allows visualization of the most sinister parts of the country.


Overall, I adored the memoir. It is definitely worth reading if you have the time. Dragon Fighter delves deeply into the issue in a way that can only be described by someone who experienced it, Rebiya Kadeer. The writing flows beautifully and the story continually keeps you hooked. This biography is not your run of the mill memoir, it is a history lesson, compelling message, and the start of a liberation revolution all in one. Read it, you will not be disappointed.


The author's comments:

This memoir opened my eyes to the extremity of the issues in China concerning the Uyghurs. It is an important current event that deserves more media coverage than it currently receives. Dragon Fighter is Rebiya Kadeer's way of publicizing the event; however, it is not a well known book. I hope that I can convince at least someone to give it a shot and continue to spread Rebiya Kadeer's important message.


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