Mother of Red Mountains is a historical novel based on real events and real people.
In these photos were the real people the main characters are based on. The names are the characters’ names so that readers can relate to the stories in the book.
cf. 1949
Xiaojun’s father, Mr. Liu, was a store owner. This was taken in Chifeng when he was about 59 years old.
See Chapter 2. Liu Family
cf. 1949
From left in front: Xiaojun was 2nd. From left in back: Xia was 4th. cf. 1949, Chifeng.
The baby of the family, Xia, stayed in the 1st grade for two years without making progress. Xiaojun begged her father to let her go to school and promised that she’d help Xia make progress. Xiaojun was 14 and Xia was 11.
See Chapter 5. Mr. Liu’s Wishes
cf. 1952
From Left to right: Xia, Tiger, Xiaojun, and Peifang. cf. 1952, Chifeng
After Mr. Liu passed away, the family’s house was sold. Xiaojun and Xia moved to a school room and became orphans. Xiaojun was 17 years old, Xia was 14, and Tiger was 1. Peifang was the wife of Xiaojun’s 2nd brother and Tiger’s mother. They moved to a rental house.
See Chapter 6. Home No More.
cf. 1953~54
Xiaojun was on the right. cf. 1953~54, Chifeng
Xiaojun had raised her baby sister for two years. This was also the time she fell in love for the first time.
See Chapter 7. First Love.
cf. 1956
Xia and Jun. cf. 1956, Chifeng
Xiaojun changed her name from Xiaojun (meaning a pretty girl) to Jun (a gentleman) to better fit a male-dominated society. This was about the time when Jun was to leave her hometown, Chifeng, to go to Hohhot to attend a vocational school. Jun was 21, and Xia was 18.
See Chapter 11. Far Away.