The book Forbidden city by William Bell is a historical themed book. The time and place that this book is set is the Spring of 1989 in Beijing, China. This book follows Alexander Jackson who narrates the story about the biggest occurrence of his life. Alexander was a teenager who loved to create or amuse himself with things that has to do with the army or anything that pertains to China’s Army.
His favorite part of learning about history is learning the different battle tactics and plans of the Armies. Alexander participates in exhibitions hosted by hobbyists all around Ontario.Alexander lives in Canada with his father, Ted. Because of Alexander’s fascination and extensive knowledge about China’s military he has won many trophies that shows his ambitions towards learning.
The book begins with young Alexander coming home from school while his father was on the phone talking with his boss. While his father remained on the phone Alexander goes down into his basement to work on his sculptures of soldiers. Later that night Alexander was done with his sculptures so he then goes up stairs. His father then tells him that his boss has asked him to go to Beijing, China and live there for a while.Because Alexander’s father is one of the best cameraman in the country he is very important to CBC, which is the station that he works for. He is considered one of the best because he is very dedicated to his career.
He has won many awards because he goes to the extreme every time to capture a moment, he has even put himself in the line of death. Ted said yes to the move to Beijing, because he feels it will be a great opportunity for Alexander and himself. So shortly there after Alexander and his father move to China! Their first night in China was a great one.They were thrown a party to welcome them to Beijing.
The banquet was thrown by Eddie Nolan, who is Ted‘s new co-worker. The next couple of days in China Ted and Eddie get to know each other and to work together. Alexander realizes that he likes China, but feels homesick! The next couple months things changed very quickly in China. The PLA in China became very strict and unfair to the children.
The children of China were protesting against the Chinese government. The students didn’t like the new laws and rules implemented by the government.The students and children of China wanted the government to change the rules and laws. The PLA didn’t approve of the protesting of the students or them trying to change the governments decision, so the PLA started to murder the children or place them in jail. Because of all of the new changes, laws, and protesting of the students Ted and Alexander decided that it would be safer to move back home to Canada.
Alexander and his father knew that if they did not leave China when they did they would not be able to stay out of harms way for very much longer.
