R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 9/21/2015 + 1441 more book reviews

This is the story of a woman whose warped personality and ambition is stymied at times but, nevertheless, pushes her to the top of the political pyramid when she marries Chairman Mao. The author gives us Madame Mao's words, layered with her own comments about what is true and what is not. Madame Mao is vindictive, unforgiving for the most part, but loves Chairman Mao most of the time. I'm not sure I understood this woman and I certainly disliked her. She is insecure unless she is in control of what is happening to her. She views herself as an actress, preferably the leading lady, which puts her in the limelight. However, I couldn't help wondering how anyone living in this period could survive with their own values intact. No wonder a woman would have trouble surviving in such an political climate. It's a revealing read and quite well done.

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