Hibiscus Town is about victimization, humiliation, and salvation in a small Chinese village before, during, and after the Cultural Revolution.  Its central character, born of a capitalist inn keeper, is victimized by the new Communist party director who is jealous of her beauty and success. From this tough beginning we watch her fall from grace in the village, lose everything that is dear, and face further humiliation with the arrival of the cultural revolution. Yet from this dark low we watch her find salvation in those around her and find something worth living for.