Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Harvard Student Confronts Identity Amid Tiananmen Legacy

12/10/2025

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Ha Jin's novel Looking for Tank Man, Pei Lulu, a Harvard sophomore, grapples with her Chinese identity abroad.
The narrative follows her growing obsession with the Tiananmen Square massacre after she encounters a protester and learns her parents were involved.
As graduation approaches, she must choose between returning to China or staying in America, where she feels more connected to her history.

1 of 1

Story summary

In Ha Jin's novel Looking for Tank Man, Pei Lulu, a Harvard sophomore, grapples with her Chinese identity abroad.
The narrative follows her growing obsession with the Tiananmen Square massacre after she encounters a protester and learns her parents were involved.
As graduation approaches, she must choose between returning to China or staying in America, where she feels more connected to her history.