"Tombstone" is more than just a story of how, during a three-year period free from war or natural disaster, at least 36 million people died unnatural deaths. It's also the story of how the political and social environment helmed by Chairman Mao upended the livelihood of China's rural population, punished individuals who didn't echo the party line, and turned a blind eye to the millions who cried out for help.
In the past, such a blunt critique of the government would have ensured that Yang, who lives in Beijing, would face imprisonment or worse. But in fact, the "Tombstone" author goes about his life without undue trouble. "The book is about things that happened decades ago," he explains, noting that talking about contemporary politics would be a different story altogether. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that publication of his book within China would be next to impossible.
