1. 1973: Nien Cheng by Neil Taylor

    Her crime: Working for a British company in China. (Spying, they said.)

    Her imprisonment: No. 1 Detention House; prisoner 1806.

    Her refrain: “I’ve nothing to confess.”

    Her torturers: Cruel, ridiculous, children.

    Her daughter: Murdered.

    Her writing: Calm, clever, devastating.

    Her answer: “The human spirit is resilient, and I was optimistic.”






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